Imagine American stadiums roaring not for baseball or football, but for sixes, yorkers, and super overs. That’s the reality Major League Cricket (MLC) is creating in 2025. With explosive matches, international stars, and rapid fan growth, MLC is redefining how the United States sees cricket. What began as a bold experiment in 2023 has quickly become a serious contender in the global T20 landscape.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the league’s journey, standout teams, key players, season highlights, infrastructure expansion, and what lies ahead, including its Olympic ambitions.
What is the Major League Cricket?
The Major League Cricket (MLC) is America’s premier professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket competition, officially launched in 2023. Founded by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the league represents a bold push to establish cricket in the U.S., a market historically dominated by baseball, basketball, and football. With a fast-paced format and international investment, MLC is modeled after other successful franchise leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
Origins & Founding
MLC’s roots go back to ACE’s $1 billion investment plan to professionalize U.S. cricket. The league debuted in July 2023 with six city-based franchises and aims to become the cornerstone of American cricket. The foundational goal was to introduce cricket to mainstream U.S. sports audiences while offering international-level competition to global fans residing in North America.
Organizational Structure
MLC operates under a single-entity structure, meaning franchises are centrally managed under the ACE umbrella. This allows cost control, player allocation, and operational consistency. Many of the league’s franchises are either wholly owned or co-owned by successful IPL team owners, ensuring global expertise in cricket management. This structure also ensures collective investment in the league’s success rather than isolated team rivalries.
Franchises Overview
MLC currently comprises six dynamic franchises, each representing a major American city with strong sporting cultures and significant cricket-loving diaspora communities:
- MI New York – Affiliated with the Mumbai Indians (IPL), this team combines global brand power with a strong local fan base. Key players include Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran.
- Washington Freedom – Representing the U.S. capital, this franchise focuses heavily on domestic talent development and has consistently performed well. They were the table-toppers in the 2025 season.
- Los Angeles Knight Riders – Owned by the same group behind Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), this team brings a Bollywood flair and vibrant branding to MLC. Known for their aggressive gameplay.
- Texas Super Kings – A sister team to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), this franchise calls Grand Prairie Stadium its home and has a loyal fan following. With a solid all-round squad, they are a contender every season.
- San Francisco Unicorns – Based in California’s tech hub, the Unicorns attract a modern and tech-savvy fan base. Their ownership includes Silicon Valley investors focused on digital engagement.
- Seattle Orcas – Known for their tactical gameplay and strong bowling lineup, the Orcas have developed a cult following in the Pacific Northwest. They’ve also invested in local community cricket initiatives.
Each team participates in the player draft system and engages in aggressive marketing and regional outreach programs to boost fan engagement. This strategic franchise setup not only ensures competitive balance but also maximizes outreach across the U.S.
Season Structure & Format
MLC’s 2025 season ran from June 12 to July 13 and consisted of 34 matches. It followed a double round-robin format, culminating in playoffs: an Eliminator, a Challenger, and the Final. This playoff format rewards consistent performance while keeping fans engaged with knockout drama.
Scheduling
The league is scheduled to align with global cricket calendars. The 2025 season was deliberately timed to avoid overlapping with the IPL and The Hundred, ensuring availability of top international players. Matches are primarily scheduled in the evening, catering to local U.S. audiences while also making games accessible to fans in cricketing nations like India, Australia, and the UK.
Player Eligibility & Draft System
Each franchise is allowed to sign a limited number of overseas players (typically 6–8 per squad, with 4 permitted in a playing XI) to ensure a blend of international experience and domestic growth. The player draft, rather than open bidding, provides equal opportunity for all teams to build competitive squads. Salary caps are enforced to maintain parity and financial discipline across franchises.
2025 Season Recap
The 2025 edition of MLC witnessed thrilling contests and major upsets. MI New York, despite starting with only three wins in their first ten matches, mounted a spectacular comeback.
League Table & Standings
Washington Freedom dominated the league stage with consistent performances and strategic depth. San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas also had competitive runs. However, it was MI New York’s late surge that captivated fans, showing how playoff structures can offer redemption arcs in T20 leagues.
Playoffs & Final
In the Eliminator, MI New York edged out the Unicorns in a close contest. The Challenger saw them beat the Orcas to set up a final with the Freedom. The final at Grand Prairie Stadium was a showcase of grit, where MI New York held their nerve to win by just 5 runs—capping a fairy-tale run that mirrored IPL-style comebacks.
MVP and Statistical Leaders
- MVP: Kieron Pollard led from the front with consistent big-hitting and leadership.
- Top Run Scorer: Monank Patel – His 478 runs demonstrated that domestic players could match international stars.
- Top Wicket-Taker: Xavier Bartlett – A reliable pace bowler who consistently delivered breakthroughs under pressure.
Star Performers & Breakout Players
MLC 2025 was a stage for both international stars and emerging talents.
MI New York
- Kieron Pollard: With his wealth of T20 experience, Pollard was instrumental both as a captain and a finisher.
- Nicholas Pooran: His explosive middle-order batting provided MI NY with crucial match-winning contributions.
- Monank Patel: The U.S. captain proved his worth as a reliable top-order batsman, leading the domestic charge.
Other Standouts
- Xavier Bartlett (Washington Freedom): Tall and quick, Bartlett’s swing and seam movement made him a nightmare for batters.
- Harmeet Singh (Seattle Orcas): The left-arm spinner was a surprise package, choking runs and taking wickets in key games. His tactical awareness earned him praise from veterans.
Venues, Infrastructure & U.S. Expansion
Grand Prairie Stadium
Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas, has become the face of MLC. Originally a minor league baseball venue, it was transformed into a dedicated cricket facility with modern amenities, high-definition scoreboards, media rooms, and fan zones. It seats 7,200 and plans are in motion to expand capacity to 10,000.
New Venue Expansion
In 2025, the Oakland Coliseum became a new venue, marking MLC’s entry into California’s Bay Area. This historic baseball ground was retrofitted for cricket, showcasing the league’s adaptive strategy. Future stadiums are proposed in North Carolina, Florida, and possibly Chicago, enabling coast-to-coast engagement.
Future Stadiums & Olympic Goals
MLC aims to build at least 10 purpose-built cricket stadiums by 2030. A major part of this plan aligns with cricket’s return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. Organizers hope that a successful Olympic showcase will catapult cricket—and MLC—to mainstream recognition in America.
Cultural & Economic Impact
Tapping the U.S. Market
T20’s short match duration (approximately 3 hours) and entertainment-packed format make it ideal for American sports culture. MLC tailors in-stadium experiences with live music, celebrity appearances, food festivals, and fireworks, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that attracts new fans.
Investment & Backing
MLC’s financial ecosystem is robust, thanks to backing from tech moguls like Satya Nadella and real estate giants like Ross Perot Jr. These investors not only provide capital but also tech and marketing know-how. The league has also attracted international sponsors including Dream11, Betway, and Coca-Cola.
Media & Broadcast Growth
Broadcast partnerships with Willow TV, Sling, YouTube, and regional sports networks helped MLC reach over 150 million viewers globally in 2025—a 45% increase from the previous season. The league is investing in real-time analytics, AI-powered highlights, and VR fan experiences.
Comparative League Landscape
Indian Premier League (IPL)
The IPL is MLC’s aspirational benchmark. MLC has adopted similar strategies in franchise ownership, team branding, and fan engagement. However, unlike the IPL, which operates in a cricket-first market, MLC is navigating a space where cricket is still niche.
Big Bash & ILT20
BBL offers a model of domestic talent prioritization, while ILT20 in the UAE thrives on international imports. MLC strikes a balance—importing star power but requiring teams to nurture American players. This approach promotes sustainability.
Unique Positioning
What sets MLC apart is its Americanized packaging of cricket—quick highlights, analytics-driven commentary, and gamification through fantasy sports. It blends the traditions of cricket with innovations from U.S. sporting culture, making it both globally relevant and locally resonant.
Challenges & Opportunities
Domestic Talent Development
A key challenge is the limited pool of elite U.S. cricketers. MLC has launched talent scouting programs, youth academies, and school partnerships to develop the next generation. The goal is to see more players like Monank Patel take center stage in future seasons.
Infrastructure Limitations
Building cricket-specific stadiums in a market dominated by other sports is tough. MLC’s short-term solution is adapting existing baseball stadiums while lobbying city councils and investors for long-term construction projects.
Cultural Adoption
While South Asian, Caribbean, and British expats are the primary audience, MLC is working hard to capture the broader U.S. market. Marketing efforts include collaborations with American celebrities, school outreach programs, and simplified cricket education through social media.
Future Outlook
2026 Season & Expansion
The 2026 season may see the addition of two new franchises—possibly in Chicago and Florida. With more venues and players, the season could extend into late July or early August. Women’s MLC is also being explored.
Olympic Inclusion
Cricket’s return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 is a golden opportunity. MLC is coordinating with USA Cricket to form a competitive national team composed largely of MLC-trained athletes.
Innovation & Fan Engagement
MLC is doubling down on digital: live player mic-ups, AR-based stadium experiences, and blockchain-backed ticketing are on the roadmap. Fan polls, real-time stats, and fantasy games are being enhanced to increase viewer retention.
Quick Takeaways
- MLC is the USA’s premier T20 cricket league, launched in 2023.
- The 2025 season featured 34 matches and saw MI New York win the final.
- International stars and U.S. players shared the spotlight.
- Major venues include Texas and Oakland, with more in development.
- The league is backed by big investors and is growing fast.
- Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics may boost MLC’s profile.
- MLC uniquely blends American sports culture with global cricket.
FAQs
What is the Major League Cricket season format?
MLC follows a round-robin format leading into knockout playoffs including Eliminator, Challenger, and Final.
Who won the 2025 Major League Cricket final?
MI New York defeated Washington Freedom by 5 runs.
Who was the top performer of MLC 2025?
Monank Patel led in runs, while Xavier Bartlett took the most wickets.
Where is MLC headquartered?
Grand Prairie, Texas, is the league’s base and hosts the final.
Is MLC aiming for the Olympics?
Yes, MLC supports cricket’s return at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Feedback & Share
What was your favorite MLC moment this season? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word among your cricket-loving friends!
