Rohit Sharma disobeying BCCI? MCA President hides truth over batter's Vijay Hazare Trophy participation

The uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s participation in next month’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has turned into a major talking point among the cricket fraternity, with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) choosing not to reveal anything clearly.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that Virat Kohli will return for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 after the BCCI directed all the contracted players to participate in domestic cricket if they want to remain in consideration for the India selection.

Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy return remains a mystery

Over the past few weeks, there has been nonstop speculation about whether Rohit will actually play domestic cricket this season. Some reports claim that the former Indian captain has already informed MCA about playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but there is no official word yet, which has created confusion.

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Recently, MCA president Ajinkya Naik was asked about Rohit Sharma’s plans or whether the Indian icon told them about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26; he kept his lips tight on the matter. Instead of confirming or denying anything about Rohit’s VHT participation, Naik shifted the focus to the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.

We can't talk: MCA President Ajinkya Naik

He stressed that the MCA wants to concentrate fully on the current tournament, Mumbai’s performance, and their approach to the knockout stage. Naik made it clear that MCA is not ready to discuss a competition that is still a month away.

Ajinkya Naik was quoted as saying by Revsportz: “We are now in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy; we can't talk about the tournament, which is next month, so let's focus on SMAT: what is Mumbai doing, and how can Mumbai win the championship? Our focus is on the knockouts, and we want Mumbai to win the trophy this year as well.”

MCA plays safe as Rohit Sharma's Vijay Hazare Trophy status remains unclear

The MCA president maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing that the association treats every player, whether a club regular or an international icon, with the same support and facilities. With the 50-over tournament just weeks away, there is still no official clarity on Rohit’s availability.

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Naik signed off by saying, “We as administrators look after the best facilities we can give to cricketers, and whoever the cricketer, whether it is a club cricketer, whether it is an international player or a Mumbai player, we will be the same for everybody, and the Mumbai Cricket Association always backs the right talent, and we are just looking for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy now, so let's focus on it.”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shine in the ODI series

Notably, Rohit Sharma was recently part of India’s 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa at home. The batsman hit two fifties in the home series, while Kohli was adjudged Player of the Series for his remarkable show, where he smacked back-to-back centuries and 65* against South Africa.

Both Rohit and Kohli retired from Test and T20Is, and they have been asked to play domestic cricket when the ODIs are not scheduled to be contentions for India selection. DDCA officials confirmed Kohli’s availability, but the MCA keeps all the cards close to its chest, leaving many surprised.