Mangaluru: School cricket will be a major focus in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Mangaluru zone, chairman Shrikanth Rai said, announcing a push to strengthen grassroots cricket with franchise Coastal Kings Mangaluru.Speaking at the jersey and anthem launch of Coastal Kings Mangaluru, the new entrant in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026, Sunday, Rai said the region has produced exceptional athletes with vast untapped potential. He added that school cricket is already conducted across zones and will be expanded statewide by KSCA.Rai said interest in school cricket here appears to be dwindling and requires immediate intervention. He also spoke on the concept of children playing cricket in the rain.KSCA managing committee member Avinash Vaidya said the school cricket initiative is a joint project and stressed that most academy entrants come from this segment. He highlighted the huge cricketing talent in Mangaluru and assured efforts to improve the infrastructure for aspiring players.Outlining first-time changes for the Maharaja Trophy, Vaidya said teams must submit their playing XI before the toss; no runs will be awarded if a batter is dismissed off a free-hit delivery; and in DRS cases, runs completed during the delivery will be awarded if an on-field out decision is overturned.On scheduling during the monsoon, he said the window is constrained by commitments, including IPL and the domestic calendar.Coastal Kings owner Vinod Naidu said the franchise represents the entire coastal Karnataka region and will work with KSCA after the tournament to plan next season’s calendar.Actor Roopesh Shetty, named the team’s 12th man, said cricketer KL Rahul is a major inspiration for Mangaluru’s youth and expressed hope that more players of a similar ilk will emerge from the city.Karun Nair will captain the side, with Shreyas Gopal as vice-captain. KSCA treasurer BN Madhukar said the tournament will start on June 26 in Mysuru and conclude on July 12 in Bengaluru.
