BCCI Regulations Prevent U-19 World Cup Captain from Playing for Mumbai Under-23
Fresh off captaining India to the Under-19 World Cup title in Zimbabwe and Namibia, Ayush Mhatre has been denied the opportunity to represent the Mumbai Under-23 team in their Col CK Nayudu Trophy clash against Odisha. The match commenced on Friday at the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Kandivali, but Mhatre's absence was enforced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) strict eligibility rules.
Rule Requires Minimum Two Matches in Season
The BCCI mandates that a player must feature in at least two matches during the season to be eligible for selection. Due to his commitments with the Mumbai senior team and India Under-19 squad, the 18-year-old opener, who also plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, could not participate in any matches for the Mumbai Under-23 side in the 2025-26 edition of the Col CK Nayudu Trophy.
"Yes, both the Mumbai Cricket Association and Mhatre were keen that he plays in this match, but the BCCI's rules don't allow him to do that," a source close to the developments revealed. "It's unfortunate because Mhatre's presence would have added to the strength of Mumbai Under-23 team, and also given him some useful match practice."
Teammate Abhigyan Kundu Eligible to Play
In contrast, another member of India's triumphant U-19 World Cup team, wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, is featuring in the Under-23 fixture. The 17-year-old Kundu fulfilled the BCCI's requirement by playing two matches for the Mumbai Under-23 team earlier in the tournament this season.
Kundu was one of the standout performers for India in the 2026 U-19 World Cup, amassing 239 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 59.75, including two half-centuries. His consistent performances have earned him a spot in the current lineup.
Ayush Mhatre's Recent Form and Stats
Ayush Mhatre, who scored half-centuries of 62 and 53 in both the semifinal against Afghanistan and the final against England in Harare, is currently in fine form. He concluded the Under-19 World Cup with 189 runs in seven matches, averaging 30.57, with a strike rate of 113.22 and three fifties to his name.
Additionally, Mhatre showcased his all-round abilities by picking up seven wickets at an average of 12.42 with his more than useful off-spin bowling. His absence is a significant blow to the Mumbai Under-23 team, which is being captained by Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angrish Raghuvanshi.
Mumbai Under-23 Team Composition
The Mumbai Under-23 squad also includes allrounder Suryansh Shedge, who recently played in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal for Mumbai against Karnataka last week at the MCA ground in BKC. Shedge scored 10 and 25 runs in that match, which Mumbai lost by five wickets after failing to defend a target of 325.
Despite the inclusion of talented players like Kundu and Shedge, the team misses the leadership and experience of Mhatre, whose recent international success could have provided a morale boost and strategic advantage in the ongoing tournament.
