The inaugural Major League Cricket tournament in the United States is set to kick off in July, featuring an impressive lineup of cricket superstars. Among these athletes are three of Australia’s T20 World Cup champions, who are ready to take the US cricket scene by storm. Aaron Finch, former Australian captain, is leading the San Francisco Unicorns and will share the field with fellow Aussie signings, Marcus Stoinis and Brody Couch. Over on the Seattle Orcas, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will be showcasing his skills – fresh from his unbeaten 66 in Sunday’s ODI against India. Additionally, there are whispers of Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade potentially joining Team Texas. This fusion of top-tier talent in the Major League Cricket tournament will undoubtedly attract global attention to the US cricket landscape and create an exhilarating season for both players and fans.
The Orcas have made some exciting signings in preparation for the upcoming season, with the addition of versatile West Australian paceman Cameron Gannon, who impressively boasts dual US/Australia citizenship and has represented the United States in four T20Is back in 2019. This comes alongside the acquisition of renowned South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, a highly-prized recruit whose presence will surely bolster the team’s performance on the field. Meanwhile, the Unicorns have snapped up New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson and World Cup champion Liam Plunkett to round off their roster, while the Washington Freedom secured the emphatic partnership of Proteas quick Anrich Nortje and Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who holds the notable distinction of topping the ICC’s T20I bowling rankings. With such an array of global talent amassed across the board, the forthcoming season promises a thrilling spectacle of world-class rivalry and unyielding competition.
This year, the much-anticipated inaugural MLC competition is set to kick off, spanning across three weeks in Texas and North Carolina. Showcasing the talents of six well-funded franchises based in various cities such as Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Seattle, and New York City, this gripping tournament has garnered significant attention due to the impressive financial backing provided by several affluent Indian businessmen and celebrities. The likes of Satya Nardella, the head honcho of Microsoft, and esteemed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan have contributed a total of over AU$174 million to bring this exciting event to life. Competing teams have access to a budget of $1.5 million each, which will allow them to secure the skills and expertise of up to 18 players, including a limit of seven international stars. As such, spectators should prepare themselves for an enthralling battle of skill, finesse, and, undoubtedly, a showcase of extraordinary talent.
The prospect of Australian vice-captain Steve Smith participating in the 2024 MLC competition has set tongues wagging as the charismatic cricketer has been reportedly in talks with the competition’s bosses. Although the inaugural MLC season clashes with the prestigious Ashes, leaving him unavailable this year, Smith might find room in his schedule after the Men’s T20 World Cup concludes in June 2023. With a sizeable South Asian diaspora and immense financial power, the United States is quickly becoming an indispensable force in the cricketing world. The first season of the MLC, kicking off in Texas on July 13, gains even more significance as it paves the way for future participation of global cricketing icons like Smith, catapulting the sport to new heights in the American arena.
