MYSURU, June 18, 2026 – A grand joint media event was held today at the Radisson Blu on MG Road to usher in the highly anticipated season of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, scheduled to run from June 20 to July 12. Because the cultural city of Mysuru plays host to the crucial inaugural leg of the tournament, the event brought together the top leadership of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the city's home franchise, the Mysore Warriors, for a dual celebration of regional
cricket.
Official Maharaja Trophy T20 2026 Anthem Launch
The proceedings commenced with the official unveiling of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026 tournament anthem. The anthem was proudly launched by legendary Indian cricketer and former KSCA Secretary Shri Javagal Srinath, alongside Shri Santosh Menon (Hon. Secretary, KSCA) and Shri Srinivas Prasad (Convenor, Mysore Zone).
Speaking on the grand launch of the tournament's sonic identity, Shri Javagal Srinath said, The Maharaja Trophy has consistently served as the premier launchpad for regional talent. Seeing the energy behind this official new anthem gives me immense confidence that the 2026 season will set a brand-new benchmark for competitive cricket and fan engagement across Karnataka.
Shri Santosh Menon, Hon. Secretary of the KSCA, emphasized the tournament's growing vision, “Our goal at the KSCA has always been to bridge the gap between rural grassroots talent and the professional stage. This anthem embodies the spirit, hunger, and passion of Karnataka’s cricket ecosystem, which grows stronger with every passing year."
Shri Srinivas Prasad, Convenor of the Mysore Zone, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the city's pivotal role "Mysuru has a deep-rooted love for sports, and it is a privilege that our city is playing host to the inaugural leg of this edition. Unveiling the tournament's official anthem right here in the cultural capital sets an incredibly exciting tone for the entire cricket festival."
Mysore Warriors Team Introduction & Captaincy Announcement
Reflecting the excitement of hosting the opening leg of the tournament, the Mysore Warriors powered by Cycle Pure Agarbathi and owned by the NR Group took center stage to officially present its highly anticipated team structure for the upcoming season.
The franchise announced that renowned Karnataka and IPL fast bowler Vyshak Vijay Kumar has been handed the responsibility of leading the team as captain this season. Vyshak brings invaluable domestic and IPL experience to the role and will pull double-duty as a mentor to the squad's younger players.
The new roster features a potent blend of experienced powerhouses and fresh talent:
Marquee Players: International star Devdutt Padikkal, dynamic all-rounder Manoj Bhandage, Chethan L.R.and Ritesh Bhatkal. The franchise has also placed a distinct emphasis on promoting grassroots and rural talent this season.
Expressing his pride in the new roster, Shri Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi and Owner of the Mysore Warriors, stated, This year's team reflects the bright future of Karnataka cricket. The hunger to win is evident among the young players, and we are incredibly proud to provide a prominent platform for talents who have consistently performed at the rural level.
Head Coach RX Muralidhar echoed this optimism regarding the team's tactical approach, “Our team has a perfect balance of experience and youth. Under the leadership of a captain like Vyshak, our team will play highly positive and fearless cricket this season, keeping the fans thoroughly entertained."
Accepting the leadership mantle, Captain Vyshak Vijay Kumar expressed immense confidence in his squad, promising to deliver a brand of cricket that will make the city of Mysuru proud.
Reaffirming their commitment to social responsibility, the Mysore Warriors also announced key community partnerships for the 2026 season. The franchise is joining forces with Usha Kiran Eye Hospital and the ASL T20 Cricket Association to actively raise awareness about eye health and to support and empower differently-abled athletes.
The tournament will commence in Mysuru before moving to Hubballi and Bengaluru, bringing high-quality cricket to fans across Karnataka. Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action from June 20 to July 12, 2026, with tickets available on District by Zomato.
