Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Wednesday the expansion of its marquee T20 Mumbai League with the inclusion of a ninth franchise representing the Navi Mumbai region, awarded to Aspects Sports.

Aspects Sports secured the franchise operating rights for Rs 106.88 crores across a six-year period, committing Rs 12.21 for the upcoming inaugural season.

"The addition of the Navi Mumbai franchise will further widen the league's footprint, bringing more players from the region into the competitive ecosystem while giving emerging talent greater visibility and a platform to showcase their skills at a high level," the MCA said in a statement.

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Highlighting the governing body's strategic growth, MCA president Ajinkya Naik noted that the move aligns with their broader mission to deepen local grassroots engagement.

"The expansion of the T20 Mumbai League to Navi Mumbai is a significant milestone in our vision to take the game closer to every corner of the Mumbai cricketing ecosystem," Naik said. "The addition of a ninth franchise will not only broaden the league's reach but also create greater opportunities for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent on a competitive platform," he added.

Sharing similar sentiments, T20 Mumbai League governing council chairman Rajdip Gupta emphasised the long-term benefits for player development and league sustainability.

"Expanding our franchise base will enable the league to build a stronger and more sustainable ecosystem, while creating more opportunities for players to grow," Gupta said. (PTI)