Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2025: Retained Players, Auction Date, Schedule - All You Need to Know

The countdown has officially begun for the fourth edition of the Shriram Capital Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, powered by FanCode.

Set to unfold between August 11 and 27 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the marquee Karnataka-based T20 competition returns with heightened anticipation. This year’s edition will, however, be played behind closed doors, with no fans permitted in the stands.

Maharaja KSCA Trophy 2025 Teams and Venue

The 2025 season will once again bring together six competitive teams — defending champions Mysore Warriors, Bengaluru Blasters, Hubli Tigers, Gulbarga Mystics, Shivamogga Lions, and Mangaluru Dragons. The format remains a two-week sprint, promising high-octane domestic cricket action packed into a tightly contested window.

All fixtures will be held at a single venue, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With the monsoon expected to linger in the region, the state-of-the-art sub-air drainage system at the venue is set to play a key role in ensuring minimal interruptions due to rain.

Maharaha KSCA Trophy 2025 Retentions

Teams announced their player retentions on Friday, with some of Karnataka’s premier domestic talent headlining the list. Star batter Karun Nair, speedster Prasidh Krishna, and veteran opener Mayank Agarwal were among the biggest names retained, as franchises look to carry forward their core combinations from last season.

Mysore Warriors

Karun Nair, the tournament's top run-getter in 2024 with 560 runs, will continue to lead the Mysore Warriors. Backing him at the top will be Karthik SU, who delivered a breakout campaign last season with 372 runs in 12 innings, including three half-centuries.

The Warriors have also retained Prasidh Krishna, whose raw pace and bounce will again be crucial at Chinnaswamy, while all-rounder Karthik CA returns to provide stability across both departments.

Bengaluru Blasters

Runners-up last season, the Bengaluru Blasters have opted to bank on familiarity. Veteran opener Mayank Agarwal leads the batting unit, with Suraj Ahuja retained behind the stumps. All-rounder Shubhang Hegde, who tallied 201 runs and 14 wickets last year, remains an essential part of the team’s plans.

Another boost comes in the form of Naveen MG, who returns to strengthen the squad’s balance and depth.

Hubli Tigers

The Hubli Tigers have built around an aggressive nucleus. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Shrijith, who piled up 349 runs last year, including a match-winning century, is expected to provide fireworks at the top.

The Tigers also continue to invest in a young all-round core, retaining India U19’s KP Karthikeya, along with Manvanth Kumar and the versatile KC Cariappa.

Gulbarga Mystics

Captain Vyshak Vijaykumar returns to lead the Gulbarga Mystics, with the top order spearheaded by Smaran R and Luvnith Sisodia, who combined for 616 runs last season. The presence of experienced all-rounder Praveen Dubey further solidifies Gulbarga’s quest to go one step further this time.

Shivamogga Lions

The Shivamogga Lions have opted for a compact core. Right-arm pacer Vasuki Koushik, known for his accuracy and composure, continues with the side. Wicketkeeper Nihal Ullal is once again a central figure, while the bowling group is bolstered by Hardik Raj (slow left-arm orthodox) and Avinash D, a promising bowling all-rounder.

Mangaluru Dragons

The Mangaluru Dragons have shown faith in their blend of youth and experience. Left-arm pacer Abhilash Shetty continues to lead their bowling attack. Promising all-rounders Macneil Noronha and Paras Gurbax Arya return alongside middle-order batter Lochan Gowda, who is seen as a rising talent.

Maharaja Trophy 2025 Auction Slated for July 15

The player auction for the Maharaja Trophy 2025 is scheduled for July 15, with each team required to assemble a squad of 16 to 18 players, excluding two mandatory picks from their respective catchment areas — a key regulation that promotes regional talent development.

With star names retained and a competitive auction imminent, the stage is set for another gripping edition of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. Though the stands will remain empty, the cricket promises to be full-throttle, as teams battle it out for domestic T20 glory under the lights of one of India’s most iconic venues.