Major League Cricket (MLC)
It’s all happening in the USA; Major League Cricket (MLC) continues to turn heads and reshape the cricketing narrative across North America. The thrilling crack of the bat, high-octane T20 action, and stadiums buzzing with passionate fans have made MLC a rising force in the global cricket landscape. This franchise-based Twenty20 league, established in 2019 by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) and launched in 2023, has steadily pushed professional cricket into the American mainstream, capturing the attention of Indian fans who follow global T20 leagues closely.
MLC’s latest edition, played from June 19th to July 19th 2026, delivered one of its most dramatic finishes yet. In a heart-stopping final at the iconic Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, the Los Angeles Knight Riders edged past Washington Freedom by just 1 run to claim the 2026 championship title.
As cricket’s popularity surges across the U.S., MLC continues to attract world-class talent, strong franchise backing, and growing fan engagement. For Indian viewers and cricket followers, the league now stands as a fresh and exciting chapter in global T20 cricket, offering both entertainment and competitive depth. Whether you’re tracking teams for pure passion or following the league’s latest fixtures and results, MLC remains a tournament worth following closely.
Introduction
Major League Cricket has emerged as one of the most ambitious projects in the global T20 landscape, shaped by a mix of American sporting culture and deep Indian cricket influence. Founded in 2023 by American Cricket Enterprises and sanctioned by USA Cricket, the league was built on a longer development process that gathered momentum in the late 2010s as organizers worked to establish a sustainable domestic structure. The investment commitments that followed helped lay the foundation for a franchise ecosystem designed to bring world-class cricket to the United States. With six city-based teams and a single-entity operational model, MLC has established itself as the country’s premier professional T20 franchise competition, supported by an expanding network of venues across states including Texas, California and Florida.
A defining feature of MLC is its strong connection to Indian cricket, with four of the six franchises linked to IPL ownership groups. This bridge has shaped both the league’s talent pipeline and its commercial identity, allowing MLC to tap into established cricket expertise while appealing to a global fan base. The league’s current structure follows a double round-robin format leading into playoffs, giving every team two league-stage meetings with each opponent. Its developmental pathway is reinforced by Minor League Cricket, launched in 2021, which acts as a feeder system and expands cricket’s grassroots presence across the country. Together, these layers reflect a long-term strategy to embed cricket within the US sporting calendar while maintaining international relevance.
The league’s formation also intersects with broader cultural and financial dynamics in American sports. The involvement of major investors, the repurposing of iconic stadiums such as the Oakland Coliseum, and the development of major broadcasting partnerships highlight how MLC aligns itself with the entertainment-driven US sports market. At the same time, governance shifts within USA Cricket and commercial disputes between USA Cricket and American Cricket Enterprises have underlined the complexities of building a new cricket economy in a country where the sport is still developing its identity. Despite these challenges, MLC continues to operate as the sole ICC-sanctioned domestic T20 franchise league in the United States, with six teams and an expanding venue network supporting its growth.
Readers who prefer to explore the subject in another language can also read this article in Hindi (मेजर लीग क्रिकेट (MLC) हिंदी समीक्षा), where the same information is presented with added cultural context and simplified explanations that may help broaden understanding for diverse audiences.
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Current Season
Major League Cricket 2026 took place from June 18 to July 18 2026, with the final held at the Oakland Coliseum where the Los Angeles Knight Riders defeated Washington Freedom by 1 run to claim the championship.
Major League Cricket has continued its steady rise in the American sporting landscape, evolving from a promising project into an established T20 league with a distinct identity. The 2026 edition reflected this development, with six teams competing across 34 matches during a month-long schedule. The league’s three-venue format across Texas and California included Grand Prairie, Oakland and the new Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona, adding another dedicated cricket venue to its growing footprint in the United States.
The season’s venue strategy followed a caravan-style format, beginning in Grand Prairie before moving to Oakland and Pomona, returning to Grand Prairie for the final league-stage matches and then heading back to Oakland for the playoffs. The expanded schedule gave MLC a broader geographic presence while introducing its new Southern California venue. The influence of IPL-affiliated ownership groups remained visible throughout the league, contributing to the international profile of several franchises and helping connect MLC with established cricket audiences.
The climax of the season came in Oakland, where Los Angeles Knight Riders clinched the title with a dramatic 1-run victory over Washington Freedom. The Knight Riders made 164 before Washington Freedom finished on 163/9, with the final decided on the last ball. The result gave Los Angeles Knight Riders their first MLC championship and provided a memorable finish to the league’s fourth season.
The cultural atmosphere around MLC, long considered one of its distinctive features, remained an important part of the 2026 season. The tournament continued to bring together established international players, emerging American talent and supporters from cricket-playing communities across the United States. The opening of Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona also marked a significant step in the league’s venue development, with the facility set to serve as the future cricket venue for the LA28 Olympic Games.
Broadcasting also played a major role in expanding the league’s reach. MLC reported its broadest global audience to date in 2026, with an expanded network of media and streaming partners covering North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania. The wider distribution helped Major League Cricket reach new international audiences while strengthening its position within the global T20 landscape.
The league’s venue expansion was another notable feature of the 2026 edition. Oakland Coliseum hosted the playoffs and championship final for the first time, while Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex made its MLC debut in Southern California. Alongside Grand Prairie Stadium, the three venues gave the competition a wider footprint and continued MLC’s investment in dedicated cricket infrastructure across the United States.
The 2026 MLC edition also contributed to broader cricket development in the U.S., with the league continuing to provide a platform for international players alongside emerging American talent. The opening of a new Southern California cricket venue, wider media distribution and continued investment in professional infrastructure all formed part of the league’s ongoing effort to strengthen the sport’s presence across the country.
Looking ahead, official details for the next edition have not yet been released. The 2026 season followed a June-July window and retained a six-team, 34-match structure, but the dates, venues and competition format for 2027 remain subject to official confirmation. Further announcements are expected as the league finalizes its plans for the next season.
Ongoing October 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | |
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Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | |
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National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | LIVE |
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | LIVE |
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Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
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India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
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Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
Ongoing October 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | |
|
Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | |
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National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | LIVE |
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Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | LIVE |
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Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
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India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
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Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
Previous Seasons
The first season of Major League Cricket, which took place in July 2023, was a momentous occasion for the sport of cricket in the United States of America. The competition had six teams and a very tight schedule. The first draft, which took place at the Johnson Space Center that is operated by NASA, contributed to the one-of-a-kind allure of the league's debut.
The championship match was an exciting competition between the Seattle Orcas and MI New York, which took place at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. The Seattle Orcas were defeated by MI New York by a score of seven wickets, with the victorious team led by the explosive Nicholas Pooran. The remarkable 137 not out that Pooran scored in the championship game was a highlight that demonstrated the level of international talent that the league could recruit. Cameron Gannon, who played for the Seattle Orcas, was recognized as the Domestic Player of the Tournament, while Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Series. During this first season, it was shown that there was a considerable desire for professional Twenty20 cricket in the United States, which laid the groundwork for further expansion in the future.
Past Major League Cricket (MLC) Editions
- Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026
Major League Cricket 2026 ran from June 18 to July 18, 2026, completing the league’s fourth edition with a full 34-match schedule across Grand Prairie Stadium, the Oakland Coliseum and the Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona. Six teams once again played a double round robin phase before the top four advanced to the playoffs. The season concluded at the Oakland Coliseum, where Los Angeles Knight Riders claimed their first MLC title by defeating Washington Freedom by 1 run in a tense final that highlighted the league’s competitive balance.
The 2026 edition was notable for its expanded West Coast presence, the introduction of Pomona as a permanent venue and a more streamlined travel layout that improved scheduling consistency. With strong franchise backing, a stable three-venue rotation and rising audience interest across broadcast and digital platforms, MLC 2026 reinforced the league’s upward trajectory within the global T20 ecosystem. The season’s structure and tight finishes also continued to shape analytical viewing and cricket coverage, adding further depth to the tournament’s profile.
- Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025
Major League Cricket 2025 ran from June 12, 2025, to July 13, 2025, delivering the league’s first fully expanded 34-match season across Grand Prairie Stadium, the Oakland Coliseum and Broward County Stadium. Six teams competed in a double round robin format before the top four advanced to the playoffs. The season culminated in a tight finale at Grand Prairie Stadium, where MI New York claimed their second MLC title by defeating Washington Freedom by 5 runs.
The 2025 edition stood out for its depth of international talent, IPL affiliated ownership influence, and the league’s first season operating with a full mid-June to mid-July window to avoid clashes with other global T20 leagues. MI New York’s title run was a notable turnaround in franchise T20 cricket, as they entered the playoffs from fourth place before winning the Eliminator, Challenger and Final in succession. For Indian fans and those following MLC coverage, the season reinforced the importance of late tournament momentum and impact players in shaping outcomes. With strong crowds, a stable venue rotation and a maturing competitive structure, MLC 2025 marked a significant step forward for the league’s long-term ambitions.
- Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024
Building on the popularity of the first season, the second season was played from July 5 to July 28, 2024. The league continued to consist of six clubs, and the competition became even more intense as a result. A dominant performance was shown by the Washington Freedom throughout the tournament. Steve Smith served as the team's captain, while Ricky Ponting was the team's head coach. In the end, they competed against the San Francisco Unicorns in the championship game, which took place at Grand Prairie Stadium. By beating the San Francisco Unicorns by a decisive 96 runs, the Washington Freedom were able to secure their first championship in Major League Cricket. The fact that Travis Head, who played for the Washington Freedom, was given the Player of the Series award is evidence of the significant influence he had during the season. In addition, individual records were set during the 2024 season. Players like Faf du Plessis of the Texas Super Kings and Saurabh Netravalkar of the Washington Freedom finished at the top of the run-scoring and wicket-taking lists, respectively.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Los Angeles Knight Riders | Washington Freedom | Los Angeles Knight Riders won by 1 run | Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California |
| 2025 | MI New York | Washington Freedom | MI New York won by 5 runs | Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas |
| 2024 | Washington Freedom | San Francisco Unicorns | Washington Freedom won by 96 runs | Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas |
| 2023 | MI New York | Seattle Orcas | MI New York won by 7 wickets | Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas |
History and Structure
Big progress has been made in the sport of cricket in the United States, which has previously been dominated by baseball, basketball, and American football. Major League Cricket (MLC) marks a big leap forward for the sport. The tale of how it went from being an idea to a viable professional league involves vision, money, and the execution of strategic plans.
A concept for a big professional Twenty20 league in the United States has been developing for years, spurred by the desire to tap into the enormous South Asian diaspora and expose cricket to a broader American audience. The vision for this league is to introduce cricket to a wider audience in the United States. The American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) organization, in collaboration with USA Cricket, the governing body of cricket in the United States, was the driving force behind the effort. The primary goal was to establish a Twenty20 league that was both sustainable and of high quality, with the potential to entice the best players from around the world, further the development of local players, and eventually raise the profile of cricket in the country.
The Single-Entity Model
The "single-entity" model that MLC uses is a distinctive feature of its organizational structure. In the Major League Cricket (MLC), American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) essentially controls all six teams, in contrast to the majority of other sports leagues in which individual clubs are operating as completely independent organizations. Investor-operators are appointed to each club, and they are responsible for managing operations and contributing to the overall success of the league. These investor-operators often have connections to well-established global cricket teams, such as those from the Indian Premier League. Through the implementation of this strategy, the league hopes to achieve financial stability, maintain a competitive equilibrium, and simplify the decision-making process. Given that it indicates a centralized approach to league-wide development and player allocation, this structure also affects how Major League Cricket clubs are managed and how team strengths can develop over time.
The league currently comprises six teams:
- MI New York
- Washington Freedom
- San Francisco Unicorns
- Seattle Orcas
- Los Angeles Knight Riders
- Texas Super Kings
The participation of key clubs from the Indian Premier League (IPL) exemplifies the strategic intention to capitalize on the existing cricketing experience and fan bases to deliver a taste of world-class Twenty20 cricket to the American market.
Tournament Format
Major League Cricket follows a format designed to suit the fast-paced and entertainment-driven nature of modern T20 cricket. The league typically features 34 matches, built around a clear two-phase system. The competition begins with the league stage, where all six participating teams face each other twice in a double round robin format. Points are awarded consistently across seasons, with two points for a win and one point for any match that ends without a result. This structure ensures that the league phase produces a complete and balanced table before the playoffs begin, setting up a straightforward progression into the knockout rounds.
The playoff structure follows a common T20 league model:
- Qualifier 1: Top two teams from the league stage play. The winner directly advances to the Final.
- Eliminator: Third and fourth-placed teams from the league stage play. The loser is eliminated.
- Challenger: The loser of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of this match advances to the Final.
- Final: The winner of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Challenger to determine the MLC Champion.
As the stakes in Major League Cricket increase, this structure assures that even clubs who finish outside of the top two have a chance to fight for the championship. This not only adds drama and excitement to the game but also creates meaningful playoff scenarios and keeps the race for the MLC title competitive through the league stage.
Final Thoughts
Major League Cricket (MLC) has quickly reshaped the sporting landscape in the United States, proving that top tier Twenty20 cricket can thrive far beyond its traditional markets. Each season has expanded the league’s reach, sharpened its competitive edge, and strengthened its connection with the global cricket community. The early years established the foundation with six franchises, a compact mid-summer window, and a format built around a double round robin followed by high stakes playoffs. As the league matured, the quality of overseas signings, coaching staff, and venue infrastructure steadily improved, turning MLC into a credible stop on the international T20 circuit and a familiar name for fans following the league’s growing schedule.
The league’s growth has also created a more engaging environment for cricket followers, with clearer team identities, deeper squads, and a consistent tournament structure that rewards both power hitters and disciplined bowling units. Whether it was MI New York’s early dominance, Washington Freedom’s rise, or the San Francisco Unicorns’ push for stability, each season has added new layers to the league’s narrative. With strong crowds at Grand Prairie, renewed investment in West Coast venues, and a broadcast footprint that reaches millions of Indian viewers, MLC continues to build momentum. No matter which team emerges as champion in a given year, the league reliably delivers a month of high intensity cricket that appeals to both casual followers and fans looking for informed coverage and meaningful tournament storylines.
Did You Know
