5 days ago
MCA launches Rahane scholarship fund, announces 2026-27 player contracts
The Mumbai Cricket Association created a scholarship fund named after Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane is a former Mumbai and India captain who recently retired.
The fund received support from Sharad Pawar.
It will help young cricketers from Mumbai and improve local cricket grounds called Maidans.
The MCA also announced contracts for players for the 2026-27 season.
Players are placed in three groups called Grades A, B and C. Grade A players receive Rs 12 lakh per year, while Grade B and Grade C players receive less.
The contracts are for players who have not recently played for India or been selected by another team.
The Mumbai Cricket Association established the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund to honour his cricketing career.
The fund, supported by a contribution from Sharad Pawar, will aid grassroots cricketers and develop Mumbai’s Maidans.
MCA finalised its Player Contract System for the 2026-27 season, dividing players into Grades A, B and C.
Annual contracts are worth Rs 12 lakh for Grade A, Rs 8 lakh for Grade B and Rs 6 lakh for Grade C.
The contracts cover players who have not represented India or been selected by a team during the previous two seasons.
- Who
- The Mumbai Cricket Association, Ajinkya Rahane, Sharad Pawar and contracted Mumbai cricketers.
- What
- The MCA launched the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund and finalised player contracts for the 2026-27 season.
- Where
- Mumbai, with the fund intended to support the city’s grassroots cricket and Maidans.
- When
- Announced on Thursday, August 27; Rahane retired the previous month.
- Why
- To recognise Rahane’s career, support young cricketers and local grounds, and provide contracts to eligible players.
Key facts
- Scholarship fund
- Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund
- Fund support
- A valuable contribution from Sharad Pawar
- Grade A contract
- Rs 12 lakh annually
- Grade B contract
- Rs 8 lakh annually
- Grade C contract
- Rs 6 lakh annually
- Contract season
- 2026-2027
- Eligibility
- Players who neither represented India nor were picked by any team during the previous two seasons
Quotes
Mumbai Cricket Association Apex Council
The MCA governing council that approved the scholarship fund.
“The Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund, with the valuable contribution of Hon'ble Sharad Pawar Saheb, will support grassroots cricketers and the development of our Maidans. We hope this initiative will provide young players with greater opportunities to pursue their dreams and strengthen the proud cricketing culture of Mumbai.”
rediff.com
theprint.in
“The Apex Council approved the establishment of the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund, in recognition of the distinguished cricketing journey of Ajinkya Rahane - from Mumbai's grassroots cricket to representing India and leading the Indian Test team.”
rediff.com
theprint.in
Sources
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