Mumbai T20 League a Platform for the Cricketers - Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the mentor of Mumbai T20 league, has said the league is a platform for the players to express themselves,

“There are always a number of club cricketers who are good enough to play for Mumbai and Ranji cricketers whom I played alongside and were fit enough to play for India but unfortunately could not play. To me, this tournament is the ideal platform for such cricketers to express themselves. All sportsmen look for recognition and appreciation, and this league will provide them with the opportunity. This league is really important for Mumbai cricket,” he said.

The inaugural Mumbai T20 league kicked off yesterday (March 11) in Mumbai.

A total of six teams are participating in the tournament with each team having a total of five first-class players.

In total, there are a total of 98 tournaments that are played in Mumbai for over a year and the best players have made it to the T20 league.

Since the league has drawn a lot of limelight and has a live telecast as well, it’s an opportunity for players to do well and present a case for selection in the Mumbai side.

Also, all IPL franchises will have a keen eye on this league as well.

The owners of Mumbai Indians were also present during the opening day of the league and players who do well in this tournament can also land an IPL contract.

Players like T Natarajan, KC Cariappa, bagged an IPL contract by doing well in state T20 leagues. There is always a chance of Mumbai league also unearthing new talent.

Also, it can be a comeback opportunity for someone like Pravin Tambe and Paul Valthaty. Tambe, now 46, is also playing the league. He made his IPL debut in 2013 and was a part of an IPL team until 2017, but this year his name did not come up for auction.

Valthaty, who is remembered for his show in 2011, is now not in contention to be selected even in stateside.

Performance in this tournament can see him playing for Mumbai, and it can also help him get an IPL contract, again.

The T20 league is a star-studded affair with the presence of Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar – commissioner – and Dilip Vengsarkar – league’s mentor.

Players like Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Raane, Abhishek Nayar, Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw are also a part of various teams in the league.

The final of the T20 league will be played on March 21.

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