MCA introduces contract system for Mumbai players amid IPL 2026

In a historic development, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has taken a big and much-needed step for its players. Actually, the MCA has decided to start a proper contract system for Mumbai’s domestic cricketers from the 2026–27 season.

The state association made this bold decision to help the players work hard in domestic cricket but not get chances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the India national cricket team. Now, they will finally get some financial support and stability because of this historic move.

Mumbai players to get annual contracts as MCA takes bold step

As reported by the Indian Express, the Mumbai Cricket Association has divided players into three categories—Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Players in Grade A will earn between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 lakh per year, while Grade B players will get ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh.

Grade C players will receive ₹8 lakh annually from the MCA. This is the first time any state association in India has brought such a contract system. This structure is introduced mainly for those players who are performing brilliantly in domestic tournaments but are still not getting big opportunities.

The MCA President, Ajinkya Naik stated, “We had earlier promised that MCA would bring up the contract system, and we have finalized it in the last Apex Council meeting. A lot of thought has gone into it, and we have tried to cover each area. All players don’t get the opportunity to play in the IPL. This contract will help many players of today’s time who play all formats of the game for Mumbai.”

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Strict rules set contract system; Mumbai players set for financial boost

However, there are some basic rules to be included in the Mumbai Cricket Association's annual contract system. A player must be registered with MCA and should be fit as per their fitness standards.

Also, players who have played for India or have been part of an IPL team in the last two seasons will not be eligible. The selection committee will also recommend the players before they are given contracts.

In 2024, the Mumbai Cricket Association decided to give Ranji Trophy players the same match fees as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The board pays players around ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per day, and MCA also gives the same amount.

So, Mumbai players earn money from both the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association for each match, and now this contract system is a big reward for their hard work.

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Wankhede set to host MI vs PBKS IPL 2026 clash

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, managed by the Mumbai Cricket Association, is currently gearing up for the big IPL 2026 game between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday, April 16.

However, the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai team is struggling and is not able to find the right team combination. They have lost their last three matches and are currently in ninth place with just one win.

On the other side, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings is doing very well. They have not lost a single match so far, winning three games, while one match was washed out against KKR.