Diwali just got brighter for Mumbai's cricketers. On Friday, they received financial relief during this COVID-19 pandemic as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) released its sponsorship (NECC logo) money that was pending for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

The dues, totaling R90 lakh (R45 lakh per season), were distributed among 137 players, who represented Mumbai in these two domestic seasons. For the first time MCA also included members of the women's team and the U-23 team to the beneficiary list. In all, 70 players benefited for their representation in the 2016-17 season and 67 were rewarded for the 2017-18 season.