Mumbai players who represent Indian team have been directed by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to take part in the T20 Mumbai League. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will have to participate in the league, with Rohit Sharma being the exception.

The IPL 2025 final is slated for May 25, while the T20 Mumbai league will run from May 26 to June 5.

Team India's next assignment is a five-match Test series beginning on June 20, which provides a brief window for players to participate in the T20 league. However, it is vital to remember that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) diktat only applies to players who do not play for the Test side.

According to the Indian Express, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Prithvi Shaw, and Shardul Thakur have been asked to participate in the T20 competition, and there would be no exemption. The article also stated that players had agreed to the proposal.

“All Mumbai’s Indian players have been informed that they have to play the T20 Mumbai League, which will begin after the IPL. It’s mandatory, unless those, who have India commitment or injury issues, they can skip,’ an MCA official said.

To sweeten the deal, MCA has promised Team India players Rs 15 lakhs in addition to the auction fees they will receive from the T20 tournament.

“Indian players will be paid 15 lakhs separately by the association as a participation fee, plus they will earn separately from the auction fees. We are working on the base price and other details,” the official added.

No similar directive has been issued for Indian Test team skipper Rohit Sharma, who will be the 'Face of the League'. However, it would be intriguing to watch if Rohit retains his captaincy for the England tour following India's dismal Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia 3-1.