The Washington Freedom mark a big step for American cricket as one of the six founding franchises of Major League Cricket (MLC). Based in Washington, D.C., this professional Twenty20 team quickly became a contender after launching in 2023.
The team blends international cricket know-how with American ambition. Legendary coach Ricky Ponting and captain Steve Smith drive the squad forward.
Sanjay Govil, an Indian American entrepreneur, owns the Freedom. The franchise aims to bring world-class cricket to the heart of the capital.
You’ll see how the team has navigated its early seasons, the key players who give the squad its character, and the rivalries shaping U.S. cricket’s future. From their lineup to tournament performances, the Freedom’s story says a lot about cricket’s rise in America.
Table of Contents
Overview of Washington MLC Cricket Team
The Washington-based MLC team is one of Major League Cricket’s original franchises, established in 2023 and owned by Sanjay Govil. The team took their first MLC championship in 2024 with Steve Smith as captain and built their identity around the red, white, and blue.
History and Formation
The Washington cricketers launched in 2023 as one of the six inaugural MLC franchises. Govil stepped in as a lead investor during MLC’s $120 million funding round in May 2022.
He first partnered with George Mason University to plan a 12,000-seat hybrid cricket and baseball stadium. But the university backed out in March 2024, so the team still lacks a permanent home.
In February 2023, Washington Freedom joined forces with Cricket New South Wales. This collaboration focused on developing players, coaching exchanges, and giving NSW-based players a shot in MLC.
Govil unveiled the team’s name and logo in March 2023. He decided against teaming up with an IPL franchise, choosing Cricket NSW to bring something different to the U.S. cricket scene.
Key Achievements and Milestones
The Freedom XI’s biggest moment came in 2024 when they won their first MLC championship. They topped the regular season table with a 5-1-1 record and then hammered San Francisco Unicorns by 96 runs in the final.
Notable 2024 Season Performance:
- First place in the regular season
- 96-run win over San Francisco Unicorns in the final
- Steve Smith captained the team to the title
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. The Washington franchise made the final again but lost to MI New York by just 5 runs in a tense finish.
Glenn Maxwell took over as captain in 2025 after Steve Smith pulled out with an injury. The team finished first in the group stage with a 6-3 record but fell short in the final.
This consistent track record of reaching finals and topping group stages makes DC Freedom an excellent betting choice, as they regularly outperform odds with their championship pedigree and proven ability to dominate regular season matches.
Identity, Branding and Fanbase
Washington Freedom’s brand is all about American patriotism, with red, white, and blue as the official colors. The name reflects their D.C. home and nods to democratic values.
The franchise brings an American twist to Major League Cricket, appealing to both cricket fans and regular sports lovers with familiar national symbols.
Big-name international signings keep the team in the spotlight. Players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head have raised the team’s profile.
Being based in Washington, D.C. gives them access to a diverse and international community. That mix creates a natural fanbase for cricket in the American market.
Current Squad and Key Players
The Capital City Freedom squad for Major League Cricket 2025 balances international stars and emerging talent across the board. They’ve landed several big signings while keeping a core of seasoned players.
Player Profiles: Steven Smith and Other Stars
Steven Smith leads the batting lineup and is easily the most recognizable international star on the team. His global T20 experience makes him a key player for the Freedom.
Smith, now 35, bats right-handed and can bowl leg-break googly if needed. He anchors the innings and can shift gears when the team needs a boost.
Recent Seasons and 2025 Major League Cricket Campaign
The Freedom made a statement in Major League Cricket, winning the 2024 championship and then reaching the 2025 final, where they lost narrowly to MI New York.
Performance in Major League Cricket 2024
Capital City Freedom grabbed their first Major League Cricket title in 2024. The team delivered steady performances in every department all season.
The bowling attack stood out, with key players stepping up when it mattered. The batting lineup showed depth, with the middle order often rescuing tricky situations.
Fielding standards stayed sky-high during the campaign. The team’s athleticism really set them apart.
2025 Fixtures and Schedule
The 2025 Major League Cricket season featured 34 matches, nine more than before. The expanded regular season meant more opportunities—and more pressure.
DC’s MLC team stayed near the top of the table almost the whole way. Consistency paid off, and they locked in a playoff spot.
The team qualified for the playoffs as one of the top two from the league stage and faced Texas Super Kings in the Qualifier.
Qualifier 1 got washed out by rain at Grand Prairie Stadium. Washington Freedom advanced straight to the final because they finished higher on the table.
The final was held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Sunday, July 13th. Washington’s Major League Cricket team faced MI New York for the title.
Results and Standings
The Washington franchise topped the regular season table. Their league performance secured a direct path to the playoffs.
The rain-hit Qualifier sent them straight to the final, skipping the eliminator thanks to their points tally.
MLC 2025 Final Result:
- MI New York: 180/7 (20 overs)
- Washington Freedom: 175/5 (20 overs)
- Result: Lost by 5 runs
Lockie Ferguson bowled brilliantly, taking 3/21. The attack held MI New York to 180 runs.
Rachin Ravindra led the chase with 70 off 41 balls. Glenn Phillips finished unbeaten on 48.
The Freedom brigade needed 12 runs from the last over but couldn’t quite get there, falling short by five runs. It stung, but the run to the final was still something to remember.
Rivalries and Historical Matches
Washington MLC built some notable rivalries during their 2024 championship run, especially with San Francisco Unicorns and MI New York. Their record against opponents showed dominance and produced some memorable clashes.
MI New York vs Washington Freedom
Washington’s T20 franchise swept MI New York in the 2024 MLC season, winning both matches. The first, on July 7, was a tight 4-run win via DLS—proof they could handle pressure and tricky weather.
The second match, on July 17, was a blowout. The Freedom cricket club crushed MI New York by 94 runs, showing off both their batting and bowling strength.
Both games took place at Grand Prairie Stadium. The different margins of victory highlighted The Freedom’s consistency and ability to adapt.
Seattle Orcas vs WF
The Capital’s cricket team’s rivalry with Seattle Orcas was short-lived but clear-cut in 2024. The teams met once, with The Freedom brigade winning by 5 wickets on July 11.
That game, also at Grand Prairie Stadium, showed Washington Freedom’s calm approach to chases. The 5-wicket win felt controlled, not desperate.
Seattle Orcas never really threatened The Freedom cricket club’s ambitions. The single meeting left little chance for a real rivalry to grow.
San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom
The most intense rivalry for Washington Freedom came against San Francisco Unicorns in 2024. They played three times, with The Freedom cricket club taking the series 2-1.
San Francisco Unicorns won their only match on July 23, taking a 6-wicket victory via DLS. That set up a dramatic finish to the tournament between the two sides.
Washington Freedom hit back in the Qualifier on July 26, winning by 7 wickets and booking their place in the final.
The final on July 29 was the real highlight. The Freedom squad dominated, winning by 96 runs to claim their first Major League Cricket title. That match sealed one of the best storylines of the tournament.
Texas Super Kings vs Washington cricketers
Washington Freedom’s matches against Texas Super Kings were few, but they made a statement when they finally took the field together. The first scheduled meeting on 8 July didn’t happen—rain, or maybe just bad luck, kept everyone waiting.
On 20 July, in the 17th match of Major League Cricket 2024, the teams finally faced off. The Capital’s cricket team clinched a 42-run win, making it clear who had the upper hand that day.
This match went down at Grand Prairie Stadium in the US. That victory margin? It felt like the Freedom brigade had the edge, and maybe, if they’d played more, the story would’ve stayed the same.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers for Washington Freedom Fans
Want details on WF’s squad, ownership, coaching staff, or how they’ve been playing? It’s all here. They’re part of Major League Cricket and have a packed fixture list this season.
Who are the current players in the Freedom cricket squad?
Steve Smith leads the Washington cricketers. The roster mixes domestic talent and international names, all competing in Major League Cricket. You can check out the full squad and player stats on the official team website.
What is the upcoming fixture schedule for WF?
The DC metropolitan cricket team kicked off their season on 14th July against Seattle Orcas. They play five matches in the opening round of Major League Cricket.
Who holds the ownership of the Washington MLC cricket team?
Sanjay Govil owns the Washington Freedom cricket team. He’s an Indian American entrepreneur who bought the franchise rights. The team launched in 2023 as one of six original Major League Cricket franchises.
At which venue does the Washington Freedom team play their home matches?
The Freedom camp is based out of Washington, D.C. and plays as a professional Twenty20 cricket team. Home venue info pops up through league announcements. For details on the stadium and match locations, just check the team’s official site. The venue hosts both regular season games and playoffs.
Who is responsible for coaching the Washington Freedom team?
Ricky Ponting is the head coach for The DC metropolitan cricket team. The former Australian captain brings a ton of international experience to the job. The team announced Ponting’s coaching role along with other staff picks. His leadership shapes the squad’s tactics and helps players grow.
How has WF performed in their recent matches?
The Capital franchise recently faced off against other Major League Cricket teams. Their results have been a mixed bag this season, with some matches coming down to the wire.
