Major League Cricket has quickly become America’s top professional cricket competition, bringing the world’s second most popular sport to US fans. MI New York are the current defending champions after winning their second title in the 2025 season, defeating Washington Freedom in a thrilling final decided by just five runs.
Since its inaugural season in 2023, MLC has shaken up cricket’s scene in the US. Six city-based franchises compete in fast-paced Twenty20 matches.
The league has drawn international stars, invested in cricket infrastructure, and built storylines that keep both longtime cricket fans and newcomers hooked. It’s honestly a little wild how quickly it’s grown.
The 2025 season brought big changes. The league expanded from 19 to 34 matches and shifted its start to June to dodge international scheduling conflicts.
Curious about the star-studded teams, unforgettable moments, or what sets MLC apart in the crowded US sports landscape? This guide covers everything you need to know about cricket’s fastest-growing league.
Overview of MLC Cricket
Major League Cricket stands as America’s first professional Twenty20 cricket league. It officially launched in 2023 with six franchise teams.
USA Cricket sanctions the league, and its format aims to help cricket grow in the States. That’s no small feat.
History and Evolution of Major League Cricket
MLC kicked off on July 13, 2023. American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) had started planning in 2019, and it took four years to get the first games up and running.
The debut season saw six teams battle it out over three weeks. Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and Church Street Park in North Carolina hosted the matches.
This compact schedule helped the league get its footing. By 2025, MLC nearly doubled its games—jumping from 19 to 34 matches.
MLC 2025 ran from June 12 to July 13. More games meant teams faced each other more often, and fans got a bigger season.
MI New York took the 2025 championship, edging out Washington Freedom by just five runs in the final. That win gave MI New York their second title.
Structure and Format of the League
MLC uses a single-entity model with six franchises. Teams play the Twenty20 format—20 overs per side, just like the world’s top T20 leagues.
In 2025, each team played 10 regular season games in a double round-robin. The top four moved on to the playoffs.
Tournament venues included three main stadiums:
- Grand Prairie Stadium (7,200 capacity)
- Oakland Coliseum (12,000 capacity)
- Broward County Stadium (20,000 capacity)
Teams balance international stars with domestic players, which helps develop homegrown talent. The league really wants to grow American cricket from the ground up.
The playoffs use elimination rounds. The top team heads straight to the qualifier, while teams three and four fight it out in an eliminator.
Role of ICC and Official Sanctions
USA Cricket sanctions Major League Cricket, giving it official status in international cricket. The ICC recognizes events that member boards sanction.
Official recognition means MLC stats count toward official T20 records, which draws bigger international names. It’s a big deal for players and fans alike.
The league follows ICC regulations for match rules, playing conditions, and even weather interruptions. Everything stays by the book.
Player participation rules match international standards. Afghan players ran into early travel issues in 2025, but because MLC is a “major sporting event,” they were able to join.
Sticking to regulations keeps MLC connected to global cricket. The league can attract players during international windows, keeping competition fierce all season.
Teams and Star Players
Major League Cricket features six franchises fighting for the trophy. Each team mixes international stars with up-and-coming local talent.
These squads blend experience and fresh faces, creating some seriously competitive cricket.
| Table 3: Key Bowling Figures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowler | Team | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Best Spell |
| Lockie Ferguson | Washington Freedom | 4 | 21 | 3 | 5.25 | 3/21 |
| Trent Boult | MI New York | 4 | 32 | 2 | 8.00 | 2/32 |
| Nath Ugarakar | MI New York | 4 | 32 | 2 | 8.00 | 2/32 |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | Washington Freedom | 4 | 31 | 1 | 7.75 | 1/31 |
| Nosthush Kenjige | MI New York | 3 | 30 | 1 | 10.00 | 1/30 |
MI New York and Key Performers
MI New York stands out as one of the tournament’s powerhouse teams. Their batting lineup is stacked and can challenge anyone.
The squad has reliable match-winners in key spots. Their batting order includes players with proven T20 track records.
Their bowlers bring both pace and spin. With that balance, they can handle different pitch conditions.
MI New York’s success hinges on their stars staying in form. Their depth lets them rotate the squad based on opposition and pitch.
Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Los Angeles Knight Riders
Seattle Orcas have built around explosive batsmen who can flip a game in a few overs. That’s their signature style.
Texas Super Kings have experience on their side, with veterans who know how to handle pressure.
Los Angeles Knight Riders bring the global Knight Riders brand to the US. They blend international stars with promising Americans.
Each team has its own flavor:
- Seattle’s all-out attacking batting
- Texas’s steady leadership
- Los Angeles’s well-rounded squad
Their different approaches make for some juicy matchups. Every franchise has recruited players to fit their game plan.
Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns
Washington Freedom show up with a balanced squad, investing in both big hitters and a deep bowling lineup.
San Francisco Unicorns rounded out their team with smart picks—players who’ve made a mark in T20 leagues worldwide.
Both teams focus on building strong chemistry. It’s not just about individual stars; they want the squad to click.
Washington leans on consistency, while San Francisco bets on players who thrive under pressure. These two teams kick off the tournament with the first match, setting the tone for the season.
International and Domestic Talent Pool
MLC draws talent from all over the globe. Steve Smith brings serious experience and leadership, especially with the bat.
Finn Allen is the kind of batter who can change a match in a few overs. He’s a real asset for any team.
Rachin Ravindra gives his team options with both bat and ball, adding flexibility during games.
Xavier Bartlett strengthens the bowling attack. Fast bowlers like him can be a game-changer in US conditions.
Mitchell Owen and Glenn each add their own strengths to their teams. This mix of talent keeps the tournament unpredictable.
Domestic players aren’t just filling spots—they’re learning from the best and making an impact. It’s a huge chance for American cricketers to grow.
Local players get better by playing alongside seasoned internationals. That blend is what makes the league so exciting to watch.
MLC 2025 Season Insights
The 2025 Major League Cricket season stretched to 34 matches at multiple venues. MI New York grabbed their second title, beating Washington Freedom by five runs at Grand Prairie Stadium on July 14, 2025.
| Table 1: Match Summary - MLC 2025 Final | |
|---|---|
| Match Details | Information |
| Teams | MI New York vs Washington Freedom |
| Venue | Dallas |
| Date | July 13, 2025 |
| Result | MI New York won by 5 runs |
| MI New York Score | 180/7 (20 overs) |
| Washington Freedom Score | 175/5 (20 overs) |
| Player of the Match | Quinton de Kock (77 off 46 balls) |
Match Schedule and Venues
MLC 2025 ran from June 12 to July 13. Six teams played across the country, and the tournament jumped to 34 matches—nine more than in 2024.
Main venues:
- Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas (hosted the final)
- Oakland Coliseum in California
- Other stadiums across the US
The season opened in California on June 12, with Washington Freedom (the defending champs) facing San Francisco Unicorns.
ESPN covered the schedule, live scores, and updates throughout the season. You could track squads and fixtures on ESPNcricinfo if you wanted to stay plugged in.
Playoffs, Finals, and Title Race
The playoffs put the top two league teams straight into key matches. Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings finished first and second, earning spots in the Qualifier.
Rain washed out the Qualifier, so Washington Freedom got a direct pass to the final as the higher-ranked team.
Final Match Details:
- Date: July 14, 2025
- Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
- Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
- MI New York: 180/7 (20 overs)
- Washington Freedom: 175/8 (20 overs)
Quinton de Kock smashed 77 off 46 balls for MI New York. Rachin Ravindra hit 70 for Washington Freedom but just couldn’t get them over the line.
Key Highlights from Recent Seasons
MI New York’s 2025 win gave them their second MLC title in three years, making them the league’s most successful team so far. Their first trophy came in 2023.
Their season didn’t start well—they won only one of their first seven games. Then, somehow, they turned it around in dramatic fashion.
Washington Freedom came into the final as the reigning champions from 2024. They made it back to the final but fell short by just five runs.
This was the third edition of Major League Cricket since its 2019 founding. The tournament keeps growing, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like a staple of American cricket.
MLC Cricket's Highlights - Historical Moments So Far
Major League Cricket has already delivered some unforgettable moments. The league brings T20 cricket to US fans with action-packed games.
You can catch all the best MLC highlights online. ESPN provides full coverage, and the official MLC channels post HD replays sorted by date and team.
Key Historical Moments
The 2023 launch season marked cricket’s big professional debut in the US. Six franchises battled across several venues.
We’ve seen record-breaking performances—players like Ukmat Chand have put on some pretty wild batting displays.
Venue milestones include major matches at Oakland Coliseum. It’s cool to see iconic American stadiums hosting big-time cricket.
| Table 2: Top Batting Performances | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | 4s | 6s |
| Quinton de Kock | MI New York | 77 | 46 | 167.39 | 6 | 4 |
| Rachin Ravindra | Washington Freedom | 70 | 41 | 170.73 | 8 | 2 |
| Glenn Phillips | Washington Freedom | 48* | 34 | 141.17 | 0 | 5 |
| Jack Edwards | Washington Freedom | 33 | 22 | 150.00 | 2 | 2 |
| Monank Patel | MI New York | 28 | 22 | 127.27 | 2 | 1 |
| Kunwarjeet Singh | MI New York | 22* | 13 | 169.23 | 2 | 1 |
Team Achievements
The six founding franchises have all created their own history:
- Seattle Orcas
- MI New York
- LA Knight Riders
- Texas Super Kings
- Washington Freedom
- San Francisco Unicorns
MLC 2025 adds to this foundation with more coverage and new standout moments.
You can find replays of the best sixes, wickets, and momentum-shifting plays. These highlights really show how MLC has become America’s top cricket competition.
How to bet on Major League Cricket online
Online cricket betting for MLC has grown rapidly as American fans discover T20 action through platforms like BitiBet, which connects users with the best betting sites and top online casinos. To place smart bets on MLC matches, study team form, player availability, and venue conditions at stadiums like Grand Prairie or Oakland Coliseum. New players can claim welcome bonuses through DaVegas and place bets on match outcomes, player props like top batsman, or futures like championship winners. Whether you’re following the MLC playoffs or regular season games, knowing the Major League Cricket schedule helps time your bets for maximum value.
MLC Championship trophy & stakes
Every MLC season culminates in the coveted championship trophy—with MI New York claiming their second title in 2025 after defeating Washington Freedom by just 5 runs. These high stakes add excitement and influence betting odds as six franchises battle for American cricket supremacy. The best online casino for MLC fans, DaVegas, offers special promotions around playoff matches and the final, including free bets and boosted odds on star players like Quinton de Kock or Glenn Maxwell.
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Frequently Asked Questions About MLC Cricket
Which teams are currently competing in Major League Cricket?
Six teams are in the mix for MLC 2025. They are Washington Freedom, San Francisco Unicorns, MI New York, Texas Super Kings, Los Angeles Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas.
Each franchise has picked its captain for the season. Glenn Maxwell leads Washington Freedom, while Corey Anderson steps up for San Francisco Unicorns.
Nicholas Pooran takes charge of MI New York. Faf du Plessis heads Texas Super Kings, and Jason Holder leads Los Angeles Knight Riders.
Heinrich Klaasen captains Seattle Orcas. That’s quite a lineup.
What is the schedule for the upcoming Major League Cricket matches?
MLC 2025 kicks off on June 12 and wraps up on July 13. The action spreads across three venues: California, Dallas, and Florida.
San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom get things started in California on June 12. Teams battle it out in a double round-robin, with 30 league matches crammed in.
Playoffs begin July 8 in Dallas. The grand finale lands on July 13, also in Dallas.
Who are the reigning champions of Major League Cricket?
Washington Freedom holds the MLC crown right now. They clinched the title last season after beating San Francisco Unicorns in the final.
These two will clash again in the opening match of MLC 2025. An instant rematch? Not bad at all.
Where can one watch Major League Cricket matches live?
You can catch matches at three different venues this season. The tournament hops between California, Dallas, and Florida.
Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas hosts every playoff game. From July 8 to 13, this spot becomes the heart of the action with the qualifier, eliminator, challenger, and final.
How many teams are participating in the current Major League Cricket season?
MLC 2025 features six teams. That’s the league’s setup for its third year running.
Each team faces every other team twice in the league stage. That adds up to 30 league matches before playoffs roll around.
The top four teams move on to the playoff stage. Simple as that.
When does the Major League Cricket season typically commence?
The MLC 2025 season kicks off on June 12. It wraps up about a month later, on July 13.
They always schedule the season for the heart of summer in the United States. You’ll get both league and playoff matches packed into that window.
