Mangaluru, Aug. 16: School cricket will be a key focus area for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as it seeks to strengthen grassroots cricket and identify young talent across the state.

Speaking at the jersey and anthem launch of Coastal Kings Mangaluru, the newest franchise in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026, KSCA Mangaluru Zone Chairman Shrikanth Rai said the coastal region has produced several outstanding cricketers and athletes, but much of its sporting potential remains untapped.

Rai said KSCA already conducts school cricket tournaments in different zones and plans to expand the programme across Karnataka. He noted that interest in school cricket in the region appears to be declining and stressed the need for immediate efforts to revive participation. He also spoke about encouraging children to play and train in rainy conditions, a concept aimed at helping young players adapt to local weather challenges.

KSCA Managing Committee member Avinash Vaidya described the school cricket initiative as a joint effort to strengthen the sport at the grassroots level. He said a majority of players entering cricket academies come through school competitions and highlighted the abundance of cricketing talent in Mangaluru. Vaidya also assured that steps would be taken to improve infrastructure for aspiring cricketers.

Announcing several first-time rule changes for the Maharaja Trophy, Vaidya said teams will now be required to submit their playing XI before the toss. He added that batters dismissed off a free-hit delivery will not receive any runs, while in DRS-related reversals, runs completed during the delivery will be counted if an on-field dismissal decision is overturned.

Addressing concerns over the tournament being held during the monsoon season, Vaidya said scheduling options are limited because of commitments to the IPL and the domestic cricket calendar.

Coastal Kings owner Vinod Naidu said the franchise represents the entire coastal Karnataka region and plans to work closely with KSCA after the tournament to prepare a comprehensive calendar for the next season.

Actor Roopesh Shetty, who was introduced as the team’s “12th Man Voice”, said Indian cricketer KL Rahul continues to inspire youngsters in Mangaluru. He expressed hope that more players of similar stature would emerge from the region in the coming years.

The franchise will be led by Karun Nair as captain, with Shreyas Gopal serving as vice-captain.

KSCA Treasurer B.N. Madhukar said the Maharaja Trophy 2026 will begin on June 26 in Mysuru and conclude on July 12 in Bengaluru.