Rose Merc Limited has entered the sports league ecosystem with the launch of the Maharashtra Tennis Cricket Champions League (MTCCL), marking a strategic expansion into event-led cricket development and media-driven competition formats. The state-level tournament, unveiled in Mumbai on May 1, 2026, introduces a structured franchise model aimed at building a scalable platform for emerging players while creating new commercial avenues across sponsorship, broadcasting, and fan engagement.
Franchise model and talent pathway at the core
The inaugural edition will feature eight franchise teams, with leadership groups already in place and remaining squads to be finalised through a player auction system. The competition is designed to prioritise Under-23 cricketers, offering a defined pathway for young talent to transition into more competitive environments through consistent exposure and organised league participation.
Speaking at the launch, Brijesh Solkar, Founder of MTCCL, said, “MTCCL is not just a league–it is a movement to identify and elevate grassroots talent across Maharashtra. Our strong focus on Under-23 players ensures that young cricketers get the exposure, structure, and opportunity they deserve to shine on a bigger stage.”
Broadcast and visibility strategy
The league’s matches are set to be televised on DD Sports and Waves, ensuring national-level accessibility and reinforcing its ambition to establish a strong viewership base from the outset. The broadcast arrangement forms a key pillar of the league’s commercial framework, aligning with broader efforts to position tennis cricket within a more formalised and monetisable structure.
Backed by legacy and cricketing ecosystem
The initiative is being organised in collaboration with the Eknath Solkar Foundation, linking the tournament to legacy-driven cricket development while embedding it within Maharashtra’s wider sporting ecosystem. The launch event brought together prominent figures from the game, including Sunil Gavaskar, Former India Captain, alongside former professionals such as Karsan Ghavri and Amol Muzumdar, signalling strong industry backing for the project.
Leadership representation from Rose Merc Limited at the launch underscored the company’s active role in the league’s development, with Chairman Uday Tardalkar in attendance alongside Executive Director Purvesh Shelatkar, Independent Director Avinash Sonawane, Executive Director Eshwari Shelatkar, and Media Head Harshee Haria, highlighting senior-level involvement in shaping the tournament’s execution and direction.
Strategic expansion into sports business
For Rose Merc Limited, the league represents a diversification of its business operations into sports management, complementing its existing presence across multiple sectors. The move opens up potential revenue streams through league operations, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while also enhancing brand visibility within the rapidly evolving sports industry.
Speaking at the launch, Uday Tardalkar, Chairman of Rose Merc Limited, said, “We are proud to support a platform that blends passion, professionalism, and purpose. MTCCL will redefine tennis cricket in the state while building a sustainable pathway for young athletes to grow, compete, and succeed.”
Competitive landscape and execution challenges
The entry into league operations places the company in competition with established sports event organisers and rights holders operating across India. Delivering consistent execution, building audience traction, and securing long-term commercial partnerships will be critical to the league’s sustainability.
Operationally, the success of the first season will be closely monitored through metrics such as viewership, revenue generation, and the league’s ability to identify and develop talent within its targeted age group.
Long-term positioning in Maharashtra cricket ecosystem
With registrations already underway through digital platforms and key league elements such as team identities and leadership structures in place, MTCCL is positioned to build momentum ahead of its first season. Its long-term impact will depend on its ability to balance competitive cricket with commercial viability, while establishing itself as a credible platform for talent development in Maharashtra.
