Major League Cricket (MLC) Explained
What Major League Cricket is, how it was set up, the teams involved, and why the United States' entry into franchise T20 cricket matters for global cricket.
What Is Major League Cricket?
Major League Cricket (MLC) is the professional T20 franchise cricket league in the United States, launched in July 2023. It is operated by a US-based entity called Cricket Holdings of America (CHA) and backed by investors including Microsoft co-founder Satya Nadella, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and the franchise owners of several IPL teams. The league plays during the US summer (July) at purpose-built or adapted grounds across the US.
MLC Teams and Structure
MLC launched with six teams: MI New York (backed by Mumbai Indians), San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings (backed by Chennai Super Kings), Washington Freedom, and Los Angeles Knight Riders (backed by Kolkata Knight Riders). The IPL franchise connections gave MLC immediate credibility and access to overseas player networks. Each team can include a mix of domestic US players, overseas internationals, and marquee IPL players.
Why MLC Matters for Global Cricket
The United States has the world's largest potential cricket-following diaspora — tens of millions of South Asian, Caribbean, British, and Australian immigrants with strong cricket backgrounds. Opening the US market to professional franchise cricket could generate revenue streams that rival the IPL over the long term. The ICC is actively investing in cricket development in the US as part of its strategy to grow cricket beyond its traditional heartlands.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the first MLC championship?
MI New York, backed by the Mumbai Indians franchise, won the inaugural MLC season in 2023. The final was played at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Can US citizens play in MLC?
Yes. MLC requires a minimum number of US-registered players in each team's squad. The league has a development program to grow US cricketing talent. However, the international marquee players from India, Australia, England, and the West Indies provide the on-field quality.