Suryakumar Yadav has been in fine form for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, and former Test captain Ajinkya Rahane lead the pack of eight icon players for the third edition of the T20 Mumbai, to be played at the Wankhede Stadium from May 26.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Tuesday formally announced the list of eight icon players, all of whom are international stars. Suryakumar has been in stupendous touch with the willow in the Indian Premier League, leading Mumbai Indians’ march towards a place in the playoffs.

Rahane, meanwhile, is leading the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. Also among the icon players is Shreyas Iyer who has carried his exploits from India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign into the IPL.

The other five icon players are middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Shivam Dube, pacer Tushar Deshpande and opener Prithvi Shaw who has recently fallen off the radar. Should Sarfaraz be picked for India’s tour of England, he may be replaced with Tanush Kotian.

“Having these players in the league will also raise its stature and provide fans with a thrilling and memorable experience,” said Ajinkya Naik, MCA president.

The Hindu understands ahead of the player auction, to be held in the second week of May, the MCA will conduct a draw of lots among the franchises to pick an icon player each. Each icon player will be richer by ₹15 lakh.