In a landmark move for Indian domestic cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced it will introduce an annual contract system for its players, becoming the first state association in the country to do so. This progressive step is set to begin with the 2026-2027 season and is designed to provide crucial financial stability for cricketers who are the backbone of Mumbai's storied domestic teams but haven't broken into the Indian national side or the IPL.

Mirroring the structure used by the BCCI for its centrally contracted players, the MCA will implement a three-grade system. Grade A players will earn between ₹12 to 20 lakh per annum, Grade B between ₹8 to 12 lakh, and Grade C players will receive ₹8 lakh. This gradation ensures that performance and value to the team are directly rewarded, creating a professional pathway for domestic stalwarts.

MCA President Ajinkya Naik hailed the initiative, stating it "marks a new era for Mumbai cricket," providing "greater security, structure, and growth opportunities for our players." The system specifically targets those dedicated to the domestic grind, with eligibility criteria requiring players to be registered with the MCA, meet fitness benchmarks, and crucially, not have represented India or been selected by an IPL team in the preceding two seasons.

This contract system is the latest in a series of player-centric moves by the MCA, following a recent 100% pay raise for Ranji Trophy players to incentivize red-ball cricket. Together, these measures signal a strong commitment to nurturing and protecting the talent pipeline that has long made Mumbai a powerhouse, ensuring players can focus on their game with greater peace of mind.