Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Set to Return with Franchise-Based Model

South India’s premier domestic T20 cricket league, the Maharaja Trophy Karnataka State Cricket Association T20, is all set to make a grand comeback next month. The highly anticipated second edition of this marquee tournament is scheduled to be held between August 13 and August 29, 2023, promising cricket fans a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship.

Last year’s champions, the Gulbarga Mystics, are geared up to defend their title against strong contenders, including last year’s runners-up Bengaluru Blasters, Hubli Tigers, and Mysuru Warriors. Adding to the fervor, this edition will see the entry of two new franchises – the Mangalore Dragons and the rebranded Shivamogga Lions.

The upcoming player auction, scheduled to take place on July 22 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, has intensified the anticipation within each team camp. A. Mohan Raju, owner of the Bengaluru Blasters, shared his excitement ahead of the tournament, expressing the team’s eagerness to perform at their best. He also revealed that the Blasters have retained the same coaching staff, led by Arun Kumar, reflecting their confidence in the team’s capabilities.

Syed Ali Al-Hussaini, owner of the Gulbarga Mystics, spoke about the team’s expectations for the upcoming season, aiming for excellence in performance and management. The Mystics had a triumphant run in the inaugural edition, and they are determined to maintain their stronghold in the tournament this year.

As the new franchise on the block, the Mangalore Dragons are eager to make a mark in the competition. Mr. DV Ravi, the team’s owner, drew from their experience with the Dindigul Dragons in TNPL, expressing hope to channel that knowledge towards a successful campaign in the Maharaja Trophy.

Arjun Ranga, the owner of Mysuru Warriors, emphasized their commitment to recruiting promising players who can contribute significantly to the team’s success. Their goal at the auction is to assemble a strong squad that will vie for the championship trophy, solidifying their position among the league’s top contenders.

Sushil Kumar Jindal, team owner of the Hubli Tigers, expressed his thrill and eagerness for the upcoming season. He praised the exceptional talent pool available at the auction and expressed gratitude for the franchise model, which allows team owners to play a more integral role in shaping their respective teams’ future.

R. Kumar, owner of the new entrants Shivamogga Lions, conveyed his enthusiasm for being part of the franchise model. He emphasized the importance of accountability and expressed excitement about the journey ahead, as they strive for victory in the prestigious Maharaja Trophy.