Mumbai, Aug. 29 -- Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani, as well as Humairaa Kaazi and Vrushali Bhagat, have been awarded Grade A contracts for 2026-27 after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) apex council approved the contract system for its men and women players, with both being paid equally. Players have been categorised into Grade A, Grade B and Grade C, with annual contract amounts of Rs.12 lakh, Rs.8 lakh and Rs.6 lakh for the respective categories. The MCA has become the first state association to introduce a player contract system, which excludes players who have played in the IPL or WPL. A total of 13 male and eight female players have been handed contracts. "The introduction of the Player Contract System is another important step towards providing greater support and recognition to our players and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence," said Ajinkya Naik, MCA president. The council also approved the establishment of the Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund. The fund will be utilised to support grassroots cricketers and the development of maidan cricket....