Mumbai City FC Reserves Confirm MPL 2025-26 Participation

by FC November 28, 2025

The wait is over. After weeks of speculation and silence, Mumbai City FC is now confirmed that their reserve squad will compete in the Mumbai Premier League (MPL) 2025-26.

For the past month, the headlines have been dominated by the uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) schedule. With the top-tier league’s start pushed to January, which is also unlikely certain, the Islanders’ senior team has remained in a “training camp” mode, largely focused on their AIFF Super Cup campaign in Goa. This left a cloud of mystery over the development squad: Would they participate in the city’s premier competition?

That question has now been answered with a resounding yes. But this isn’t just a standard participation announcement.

The road to this MPL season was paved with tough decisions. In a bold move to streamline their development pathway, the club recently conducted trials and subsequently made the difficult decision to release the majority of their 2005-born cohort, a group that formed the backbone of this Development team since 2023, Which gained promotion to MPL last season itself.

From that extensive list, only three players survived the cut, earning arguably the biggest validation of their young careers: First Team Professional Contracts.

• Sheikh Aadil (Midfielder): A technically gifted midfielder known for his ability to control the tempo. A midfield engine which has impressed across the U21 and reserve sides has called up for Senior Team.
• Mohammed Kaif (Defender): A rock at the back, Kaif has been rewarded with his first senior team professional contract after leading the backline of the development team for seasons.
• Harsh Kadam (Goalkeeper): The 19-year-old shot-stopper has secured a professional contract which allows him to train daily with the senior goalkeeping union, and the progress through his development.

The timing of the MPL could not be more intriguing. With the senior team currently deep in their Super Cup campaign and the ISL season starting late, the MPL squad is expected to benefit from a unique “trickle-down” effect.

Internal Sources suggest that few senior team players, particularly those needing match sharpness could be drafted into the MPL squad for select fixtures. This would inject significant ISL-level quality into the Mumbai Premier League.

The Most Competitive Season Yet?

The entry of a revamped Mumbai City FC reserve side changes the landscape of the league. They aren’t just a “development” team anymore; they are a squad built around professionally contracted talents, potentially reinforced by senior stars.

When you combine this with the heavy recruitment from rivals like Hope United (Adil Khan), MYJ I-League 2 side and more, the narrative is clear: The MPL 2025-26 isn’t just a local league. It is shaping up to be a high-stakes battleground where the lines between “grassroots” and “professional” are becoming increasingly blurred.

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