Attention cricket enthusiasts! Following the immense craze and rapid expansion of league cricket, a brand-new league has emerged, and this time, it has made its grand entrance into the United States. Yes, you read that right! The cricket fever has reached American shores, as the inaugural edition of the USA Cricket Franchise League is about to unfold. In this MLC handbook, we, discover about this much-anticipated league, as cricket fans prepare to witness history in the making.
Do People In USA Play Cricket And Will This League Be Succesful In The USA?
Cricket has truly found its home in the United States, with a history that dates back to as early as 1844. It’s incredible to think that the USA was involved in the inaugural cricket match between two countries, facing off against Canada at the iconic St George’s Cricket Club ground in New York.
Although the recent performance of the USA men’s team in the ODI World Cup qualifier didn’t result in any victories, the mere fact that they made it to the qualifiers is a remarkable accomplishment in itself.
Notably, the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the USA, in collaboration with the West Indies, is gearing up to host the highly anticipated men’s T20 World Cup in the near future. With the USA and the West Indies earning automatic qualification as hosts, anticipation is soaring for this prestigious tournament.
Details About The MLC Handbook
After much anticipation and a series of delays, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. The much-talked-about MLC handbook is ready to take centre stage on July 14, bringing a new era of cricket to the United States. Operated by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) and officially sanctioned by USA Cricket and the ICC.
Behind the scenes, ACE has assembled an impressive team of visionaries to drive the success of MLC. Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan, the masterminds behind Willow TV, the leading cricket broadcaster in North America, have lent their expertise and support. Joining them are Satyan Gajwani and Vineet Jain, influential figures from the renowned Times Group in India.
To fuel the league’s ambitions, MLC has secured substantial financial backing, with investors rallying behind its potential. Notable names such as Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, and Shantanu Narayen, the chairman and CEO of Adobe, have contributed to the league’s funding, raising an impressive sum of US$120 million. This robust support from esteemed investors signifies the immense belief and confidence in the MLC’s potential to soar to new heights.
How The Tournament Will Progress?
Spanning 18 days, the MLC will showcase a total of 19 captivating T20 matches. Fifteen of these matches will follow a round-robin format, offering teams the chance to battle it out on the field. The brand-new Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and the vibrant Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina, will serve as the thrilling venues for this cricketing extravaganza.
The Texas leg of the tournament will witness an adrenaline-fueled start with eight matches, paving the way for a grand shift to North Carolina, and speaking of playoffs, the top four teams from the league phase will progress to the playoffs, where the stage is set for some IPL-style qualifier and eliminator matches.
How Many Teams Are There In MLC
The MLC handbook showcases a star-studded lineup of teams, with each franchise poised to make a resounding impact on the American cricket scene. Among the six teams, four are owned by prominent IPL franchise owners, adding a touch of prestige and expertise to the league.
According to reports, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals have all secured stakes in the MLC, anchoring franchises in New York, Texas, and Seattle, respectively.
Leading the way is the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have taken charge of the Los Angeles franchise. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will independently operate the New York franchise. The Delhi Capitals, co-owned by GMR Sports Private Ltd and Jindal Sports West in the IPL, have formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to oversee the Seattle franchise.
In addition to these six teams, the MLC welcomes two other franchises based in Washington DC and San Francisco. The Washington DC franchise, aptly named Washington Freedom, is owned by local American investor Sanjay Govil. Govil has joined forces with New South Wales Cricket to provide operational expertise, ensuring the squad is well-structured and prepared for the league.
Similarly, the San Francisco franchise, under the ownership of Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, has struck a strategic alliance with Cricket Victoria.
Also Read: Questions raised by Pakistan Cricket Board over excessive Indian Involvement in Foreign Leagues
Where Can We Watch The MLC?
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the MLC, and luckily, there are plenty of options to catch the action. If you’re in the USA or Canada, look no further than Willow TV to witness every thrilling moment. In India, Sports18 and Jio will be your go-to platforms for live coverage. Down under in Australia, Fox Sports will bring the MLC excitement to your screens.
For fans in the Caribbean, SportsMax will deliver electrifying matches. Kiwi cricket lovers can tune in to SKY NZ, while A Sports will be the destination for viewers in Pakistan. In South Africa, SuperSport will showcase the MLC, while BT Sport will provide comprehensive coverage for fans in the UK.
Who Are The Big Players Who Are Participating In The MLC
The MLC is set to witness a star-studded lineup of players. In Los Angeles, the Knight Riders boast the explosive trio of Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. Over in New York, the team is fortified with the likes of Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, and Kieron Pollard. San Francisco showcases the firepower of Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Corey Anderson, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan
Texas stands strong with Faf du Plessis, Devon Conway, and David Miller, while Seattle brings a formidable force with Quinton de Kock, Shimron Hetmyer, Imad Wasim, and Sikandar Raza. Not to be outdone, Washington boasts the talents of Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen.
Are Pakistani Players Participating In The MLC?
The MLC features a strong contingent of talented Pakistani players who will undoubtedly add their unique flair to the league. Saif Badar, a young talent, joins the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Hammad Azam, Shayan Jahangir, and Ehsan Adil all don the colours of MI New York. Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf, the stars of Pakistani cricket will play for San Francisso Unicorns. Imad Wasim, a versatile all-rounder, takes the field for the Seattle Orcas, bringing his wealth of experience. Sami Aslam adds to the firepower of the Texas Super Kings, while Mukhtar Ahmed joins the Washington Freedom.
