The United States Major League Cricket (MLC) has become the second Associate Franchise Tournament, following the United Arab Emirates’ International League T20, to receive List A status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This new designation recognizes the MLC as an official T20 league, with tournament records now contributing to official format statistics.
MLC Tournament Director Justin Geale expressed his excitement about the decision, stating, “We are thrilled with the recognition of the high standard and quality of players participating in the tournament. By awarding MLC List A status for the upcoming season, it acknowledges the strength and growing stature of the tournament and ultimately enhances the credibility of the sport in the USA on a global scale,” Geale told ESPNcricinfo.
Geale also thanked the ICC for considering the unique nature of cricket in the USA. “The most important aspect for me is that it ensures the performances of some of the world’s best players are accurately reflected in their career statistics. We are grateful to the ICC for taking the time to review this, as cricket in the USA doesn’t always fit into a conventional template. As an Associate nation with a unique opportunity ahead of us, we hope that the upcoming World Cup and a successful season will help us continue to build a platform for the sport to grow and thrive in the USA,” Geale added.
In the upcoming MLC season 2, reigning champions MI New York, led by West Indies T20 superstar Kieron Pollard, will face the 2023 runners-up Seattle Orcas, captained by South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell, in the opening game on July 5. The second season marks a significant milestone in the history of T20 cricket in the United States. Building on the momentum of its inaugural 2023 season, MLC has expanded the tournament by adding six extra league matches due to high demand. The four-game playoff series, to be hosted in Grand Prairie, Texas, promises to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
The Texas Super Kings, led by the classy South African Faf du Plessis, will compete against West Indian off-spinner Sunil Narine’s LA Knight Riders at the purpose-built Grand Prairie Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, on June 5, according to an MLC press release. The opening weekend also features the Australian-stacked Washington Freedom, including Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and coach Ricky Ponting, facing MI New York on Saturday, July 6. The San Francisco Unicorns, with hard-hitting New Zealand opener Finn Allen, will host the LA Knight Riders on July 7, Sunday, at Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas.