With star players from around the world and a focus on attracting local talent, MLC aims to captivate American sports enthusiasts and establish a lasting presence in the country’s sporting landscape. It has been an event in making for a long time and now its time to see how it will work out.
A New Beginning for Cricket in the United States
The inaugural season of Major League Cricket commences with six teams representing prominent cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, New York, and Washington. These are the major cities of the United States so there will be a lot of coverage on the game.
The league will feature 18 matches leading up to the first final on July 30, providing a condensed and action-packed cricket experience for spectators. Unlike traditional test matches that can span several days without a conclusive result, MLC’s matches will last just over three hours, ensuring a definitive winner in each encounter.
Team Composition and Player Selection
Each team in MLC consists of a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 19 players. The squads comprise a mix of international cricket stars and talented homegrown players, selected through a draft conducted during the league’s launch event at Space Center Houston.
Notably, each team must have at least one player under the age of 23. The salaries of international players will be funded by an initial investment of $120 million from corporate sponsors, primarily based in India.
The matches in MLC will follow the highly popular Twenty20 format, which has already proven successful in various cricket-playing nations. Twenty20 cricket is known for its fast-paced action, big-hitting, and constant entertainment.
With each innings comprising 20 six-ball overs, the format eliminates the perceived “dull bits” of the game and ensures a thrilling experience for American sports enthusiasts. In case of a tie after both innings, a tie-breaking “super over” will be played to determine the winner.
Venues and Stars On Show
The majority of MLC matches will be held at the Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas, Texas, which has been converted into a cricket stadium with a capacity of 7,200 seats and a grass pitch. Additionally, Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina, will host some of the matches.
Notably, four out of the six MLC teams are owned and operated by franchises from the renowned Indian Premier League (IPL), adding a touch of glamour and expertise to the league. The involvement of IPL teams such as Knight Riders Group and Mumbai Indians brings significant experience and resources to the table.
While several international cricket stars are currently engaged in test series matches around the world, Major League Cricket has managed to attract a strong contingent of experienced T20 performers. Prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood star and co-owner of the Knight Riders Group, have recruited renowned players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Roy, Rilee Rossouw, Adam Zampa, Lockie Ferguson, and Martin Guptill.
Read More: Ashwin’s Five-Wicket Haul Puts India in Command on Day One of First Test against West Indies
Other teams have secured the services of esteemed players such as Faf du Plessis, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, and Kagiso Rabada, contributing to the league’s star-studded lineup.
Major League Cricket has ambitions beyond its inaugural season. The league aims to establish minor leagues, fostering the development of training facilities and providing support to the U.S. national cricket team. By expanding its reach and developing grassroots cricket, MLC intends to popularize the sport and ensure its sustainable growth in the United States.