Nayar waxes eloquent on T20 Mumbai League’s value

New beginnings: Nayar, Lad and Rathod with the promoters of Maratha Royals and Raigad Royals on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: special arrangement

 The last time the T20 Mumbai League was held, back in 2019, Abhishek Nayar was among the icon players. But as the tournament returns after a six year hiatus, Nayar is back as the mentor of Maratha Royals.

Nayar, who until recently was the assistant coach of the Indian team, believes that the tournament will provide a perfect opportunity for young players to showcase their talent.

“What IPL did for Indian cricket, I think Mumbai T20 will do for Mumbai cricketers,” Nayar said on Saturday during the jersey launch of Maratha Royals.

“You have club cricketers who have not represented Mumbai, not necessarily played at that level. They would now experience what it is to play at that level, experience what it is to play in a match that’s broadcast, and play at the Wankhede and DY Patil Stadium under lights.

“There are multiple aspects to it, and this tournament also financially helps a lot of cricketers to play this sport with a little more vigour,” the former India international said.

The T20 Mumbai League will be held from June 4 to 12, with matches at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium.

While some of the India internationals — including Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer — will be in action, it will also be an opportunity for several young cricketers.

“Although this is a shortened tournament, in the future when the tournament will be longer, it will create a platform for a lot of our youngsters to evolve into players who would represent Mumbai, and hopefully in the IPL also play for the country,” Nayar said.