As the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s participation in next month’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has become a major talking point among the cricket fraternity, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has apparently decided not to reveal anything.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that Virat Kohli will return for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, as the BCCI has directed all contracted players to participate in domestic cricket if they want to remain in consideration for India selection.
Mystery remains over Rohit Sharma’s return to Vijay Hazare Trophy
Over the past few weeks, there has been constant speculation whether Rohit will actually play domestic cricket this season. Some reports have claimed that the former Indian captain has already informed the MCA about playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but no official statement has come yet, which has created confusion.
Also read: “Ready for the third star” – Suryakumar Yadav’s India start T20 series against South Africa with a new look
Recently, MCA president Ajinkya Naik was asked about Rohit Sharma’s plans or whether the Indian icon had informed him about his availability for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26; He kept a tight lip on the matter. Instead of confirming or denying anything about Rohit’s VHT participation, Naik shifted his focus to the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
We can’t talk: MCA president Ajinkya Naik
He stressed that the MCA wants to focus completely on the ongoing tournament, Mumbai’s performance and their approach to the knockout stage. Naik clarified that the MCA was not ready to discuss the competition which was still a month away.
“We are in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy right now; we can’t talk about the tournament, which is next month, so let’s focus on the SMAT: what is Mumbai doing, and how can Mumbai win the championship? Our focus is on the knockouts, and we want Mumbai to win the trophy this year too,” RevSportz quoted Ajinkya Naik as saying.
MCA safe as Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy status unclear
The MCA president maintained a neutral stance, insisting that the association treats every player with equal support and facilities, whether he is a regular player of the club or an international icon. There are just a few weeks left for the 50-over tournament, but there is still no official clarity on Rohit’s availability.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah is on the verge of becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve this historic feat!
Naik signed off by saying, “As administrators we look after the best facilities given to the cricketers, and no matter who the cricketer is, be it a club cricketer, be it an international player or a Mumbai player, we will be the same for all, and the Mumbai Cricket Association always supports the right talent, and we are only looking for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy now, so let’s focus on that.”
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shine in ODI series
It is noteworthy that Rohit Sharma was recently a part of India’s 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa at home. The batsman scored two fifties in the home series, while Kohli was named Player of the Series for his remarkable performance where he scored two consecutive centuries and 65* against South Africa.
Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is, and have been told to play domestic cricket when the ODIs will no longer be in contention for selection in India. DDCA officials confirmed Kohli’s availability, but MCA held all the cards, which surprised many.
