The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a special scholarship fund in honour of former India and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, recognising his journey from Mumbai’s domestic cricket circuit to the highest level of the game. The decision was approved by the MCA Apex Council on Thursday as part of an initiative aimed at supporting young cricketers and strengthening grassroots cricket in Mumbai. The scholarship fund has also received a contribution from former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar. The initiative is designed to help emerging players continue their cricketing journeys while also contributing towards the development of Mumbai’s traditional cricket grounds, popularly known as the city’s maidans.

MCA president Ajinkya Naik said the association hopes the fund will create more opportunities for youngsters aspiring to make a career in cricket. Rahane’s career has been closely linked with Mumbai cricket. He recently announced his retirement after a long domestic and international career and had captained Mumbai during their Ranji Trophy campaigns. Under his leadership, Mumbai secured their record extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season. Alongside the scholarship announcement, the MCA also finalised its player contract system for the 2026-27 season. Players have been divided into three categories Grade A, Grade B and Grade C. Under the new structure, Grade A players will receive an annual contract of ₹12 lakh, while Grade B players will be paid ₹8 lakh and Grade C players ₹6 lakh.

The contracts are aimed at players who have not represented India in the previous two seasons and have not been picked by a franchise during the same period. Among the men, Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani have been placed in Grade A. Mohit Awasthi, Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore feature in Grade B, while Suved Parkar, Sairaj Patil, Himanshu Singh, Jay Jain, Sumeir Zaveri, Atharva Bhosle, Manan Bhat and Ayush Vartak have been included in Grade C. The women's list also includes Grade A players Humaira Kazi and Vrushali Bhagat, Grade B player Sanika Chalke, and Grade C players Prakashika Naik, Zeal D’Mello, Fatima Jaffer, Sadhvi Sanjay and Kashish Nirmal. With the scholarship fund and structured player contracts, the MCA is looking to combine recognition of a celebrated Mumbai cricket career with greater financial support for the next generation of players.