MUMBAI: Mumbai's domestic T20 bandwagon is finally rolling again, with the city's cricket association unveiling two deep-pocketed new franchise owners and a star-studded face for its revival season. Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd has stumped up a whopping Rs 82 crore to secure the Sobo Mumbai Falcons, while Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment has shelled out Rs 57 crore to take control of the Mumbai South Central outfit.

The much-anticipated third edition, returning after a six-year innings break, will be fronted by none other than Mumbai's favourite son and India's World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma. The "Hitman" was on hand Friday to unveil the tournament trophy and lend his considerable clout to proceedings.

"Our domestic structure has always been the foundation of Indian cricket's success," said Sharma, who has gone from Mumbai's maidans to global stardom. "Leagues like T20 Mumbai play a significant role in that journey. They serve as platforms that uncover new talent and provide young players with the exposure they need. Mumbai has a rich cricketing legacy, and we’ve seen some incredible players emerge from here I'm confident the third season will be a memorable experience—not just for the players, but for the fans as well."

The league, scheduled to bowl off on 26 May, appears to have struck a chord with cricket-mad Mumbaikars, attracting over 2,800 player registrations. It will maintain its eight-team format, with the two new ownership groups joining six established franchises: North Mumbai Panthers, Arcs Andheri, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs.

"We are proud to announce Rohit Sharma as the face of the T20 Mumbai League," gushed Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association. "His remarkable achievements reflect the core values of Mumbai cricket—grit, determination, hard work, and ambition."

The tournament has previously served as a launching pad for several players who have since made their mark at higher levels, including Indian internationals Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande. Organisers are banking on this third edition to unearth the next generation of cricket stars from Mumbai's talent-rich soil.

After years spent watching from the pavilion, Mumbai's cricket faithful can finally pad up for some local T20 fireworks next month—and with Rs 139 crore of fresh investment and Rohit Sharma's star power behind it, the tournament looks set to send the ball flying into the stands.