Major League Cricket teams: Who’s competing in 2023

Major League Cricket (MLC) is set to revolutionize the American sports scene this summer as it introduces the thrilling and fast-paced T20 cricket format to the United States.

This highly-anticipated debut competition aims to make a resounding impact and capture the imagination of American sports fans.

What sets MLC apart from other cricket leagues around the world is its ability to attract a star-studded lineup of experienced cricketing names from some of the sport's powerhouse nations. The lure of big money has enticed renowned players, such as Ambati Rayudu, Faf du Plessis, and Aaron Finch, who had dazzled spectators in the Indian Premier League (IPL), to showcase their skills on this new platform.

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The inaugural edition of MLC is scheduled to commence on July 13, and cricket enthusiasts can expect an electrifying display of talent from the participating Major League Cricket teams. The competition boasts a strong lineup of six teams, each bringing their own unique flavour and competitive spirit to the tournament.

Major League Cricket Teams

Among the Major League Cricket teams competing in this prestigious event are the Texas Super Kings, Seattle Orcas, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Washington Freedom, MI New York, and San Francisco Unicorns. It is worth noting that four out of the six teams are backed by owners of IPL franchises, adding an additional layer of excitement for cricket aficionados.

Two of the teams, MI New York and Texas Super Kings, are owned by franchises that have clinched the IPL title an impressive five times. These teams, with their rich history and winning pedigree, are expected to bring their winning culture to MLC. Furthermore, the LA Knight Riders, owned by the Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Seattle Orcas, owned by the GMR Group (co-owners of the Delhi Capitals), also have strong connections to the IPL.

🎥 Who do you want to see at content day?!! Drop your favorite player’s name below ⬇️⬇️⬇️#MajorLeagueCricket pic.twitter.com/zyeICKxpwn

— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 10, 2023

The inclusion of these IPL-connected teams not only adds a touch of familiarity for cricket fans but also increases the level of competition, as they bring their vast experience and knowledge from one of the most prestigious cricket leagues in the world.

As the MLC 2023 season kicks off, fans eagerly await the clash of these star-studded teams, each vying for supremacy and the coveted title. With the participation of renowned players and the backing of IPL franchises, Major League Cricket promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will captivate American audiences and propel cricket to new heights in the United States.

The following is the complete list of the owners of the Major League Cricket teams.

TEAMOWNERS
MI New YorkMumbai Indians
Texas Super KingsChennai Super Kings
Washington FreedomCricket New South Wales
Seattle OrcasGMR Group (Co-owners of Delhi Capitals)
Los Angeles Knight RidersKnight Riders Group
San Francisco UnicornsCricket Victoria

MI New York 

In MI New York, cricket enthusiasts can expect a lineup brimming with experience and skill, poised to deliver an exhilarating performance on the field. This Major League Cricket team boasts an impressive roster featuring seasoned players who have honed their craft at the highest level. Among the notable names set to showcase their talents are Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, and Kagiso Rabada. Each of these players brings a wealth of experience, adding depth and dynamism to MI New York's gameplay.

Major League Cricket teams
Photo by Icon Sport

Squad: Jason Behrendorff (Australia), Steven Taylor (USA),  Hammad Azam (USA), Ehsan Adil (USA), Nosthush Kenjige (USA), Monank Patel (USA), Sarbjeet Ladda (USA), Shayan Jahangir (USA), Kyle Phillip (USA), Saideep Ganesh (USA), Kieron Pollard (Trinidad), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Tim David (Australia), Dewald Brevis (South Africa), David Wiese (Namibia), Kagiso Rabada (South Africa), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies).

The schedule for the MI New York is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs San Francisco UnicornsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX15/07/202302:00 am
Vs Los Angeles Knight RidersGrand Prairie Stadium, TX17/07/202306:00 am
Vs Texas Super KingsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX18/07/202306:00 am
Vs Washington FreedomChurch Street Park, Morrisville24/07/202303:00 am
Vs Seattle OrcasChurch Street Park, Morrisville26/07/202303:00 am

Washington Freedom

The Washington Freedom squad for the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023 season boasts a diverse lineup of talented cricketers from various cricketing nations. Led by captain Josh Philippe from Australia, the team showcases a blend of international experience and local talent. The presence of players like Andries Gous (USA), Mukhtar Ahmed (USA), and Obus Pienaar (USA) highlights the team's commitment to nurturing homegrown players. Saurabh Netravalkar, the former USA captain, brings his leadership and bowling expertise to the squad. 

With the inclusion of international stars such as Ben Dwarshui (Australia), Anrich Nortje (South Africa), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), and Adam Milne (New Zealand), This Major League Cricket team possesses a formidable arsenal of bowling options. Moises Henriques (Australia) and Akeal Hosein (West Indies) provide a strong middle-order presence, while Glenn Phillips (USA) adds explosiveness at the top of the batting order. The team's composition reflects a strategic approach, combining experience, emerging talents, and a commitment to local cricket development, making Washington Freedom a formidable contender in the MLC 2023 season.

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Squad: Josh Philippe (Australia), Andries Gous (USA), Mukhtar Ahmed (USA), Obus Pienaar (USA), Saurabh Netravalkar (USA), Saad Ali (USA), Dane Piedt (USA), Sujith Gowda (USA), Justin Dill (USA), Akhilesh Bodugum (USA), Ben Dwarshui (Australia), Anrich Nortje (South Africa), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Marco Jansen (USA), Glenn Phillips (USA), Adam Milne (New Zealand), Moises Henriques (Australia), Akeal Hosein (West Indies)

The schedule for the Washington Freedom is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs Seattle OrcasGrand Prairie Stadium, TX15/07/202306:00 am
Vs Texas Super KingsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX17/07/202302:00 am
Vs Los Angeles Knight RidersChurch Street Park, Morrisville21/07/202303:00 am
Vs San Francisco UnicornsChurch Street Park, Morrisville22/07/202303:00 am
Vs MI New YorkChurch Street Park, Morrisville23/07/202303:00 am

Seattle Orcas 

The Seattle Orcas, one of the competing teams in the Major League Cricket 2023 season, boasts a diverse and talented squad ready to make waves in the tournament. Led by a blend of local and international players, the Orcas bring together a fusion of skills and experience to create a formidable lineup. This Major League Cricket team features notable names such as Quinton de Kock from South Africa, who is known for his explosive batting, and Wayne Parnell, a skilled all-rounder also hailing from South Africa. With a mixture of homegrown talents like Cameron Gannon, Aaron Jones, and Nauman Anwar, and international stars such as Dasun Shanaka from Sri Lanka and Mitch Marsh from Australia, the Seattle Orcas are set to dazzle fans with their exciting brand of cricket. With an array of players from different cricketing backgrounds, the Orcas are primed to compete fiercely and leave an indelible mark on the Major League Cricket landscape.

Squad: Cameron Gannon (USA), Aaron Jones (USA), Nauman Anwar (USA), Phani Simhadri (USA), Angelo Perera (USA), Matthew Tromp (USA), Quinton de Kock (South Africa), Wayne Parnell (South Africa), Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Harmeet Singh (USA), Shehan Jayasuriya (USA), Shubham Ranjane (USA), Mitch Marsh (Australia), Heinrich Klassen (South Africa), Izharulhaq Naveed (Afghanistan), Andrew Tye (USA)

The schedule for the Seattle Orcas is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs Washington FreedomGrand Prairie Stadium, TX15/07/202306:00 am
Vs San Francisco UnicornsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX16/07/202306:00 am
Vs Texas Super KingsChurch Street Park, Morrisville22/07/202303:00 am
Vs Los Angeles Knight RidersChurch Street Park, Morrisville23/07/202311:00 pm
Vs MI New YorkChurch Street Park, Morrisville26/07/202303:00 am

Texas Super Kings

The Texas Super Kings squad for the 2023 Major League Cricket season is a formidable mix of talent and experience from around the world. Led by the charismatic Faf du Plessis from South Africa, this Major League Cricket team is ready to leave their mark on the tournament. With players like Dwayne Bravo from the West Indies, known for his dynamic all-round skills, and Ambati Rayudu, a seasoned campaigner from India, the Super Kings possess a lethal combination of power and finesse. Additionally, the squad includes Mitchell Santner from New Zealand, whose spin bowling prowess is sure to trouble opponents, and the explosive David Miller from South Africa, capable of turning the game on its head with his aggressive batting. With a diverse range of players from various countries, the Texas Super Kings are primed to bring their A-game to the field and compete fiercely for the coveted MLC title.

Squad: Calvin Savage (USA), Lahiru Milantha (USA), Milind Kumar (USA), Sami Aslam (USA), Cameron Stevenson (USA), Cody Chetty (USA), Zia Shahzad (USA), Saiteja Mukkamalla (USA), Devon Conway (New Zealand), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand), Daniel Sams (Australia), David Miller (South Africa), Gerald Coetzee (South Africa), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies), Ambati Rayudu (India), Rusty Theron (USA), Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

The schedule for the Texas Super Kings is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs Los Angeles Knight RidersGrand Prairie Stadium, TX14/07/202306:00 am
Vs Washington FreedomGrand Prairie Stadium, TX17/07/202302:00 am
Vs MI New YorkGrand Prairie Stadium, TX18/07/202306:00 am
Vs Seattle OrcasChurch Street Park, Morrisville22/07/202303:00 am
Vs San Francisco UnicornsChurch Street Park, Morrisville25/07/202303:00 am

Los Angeles Knight Riders 

The Los Angeles Knight Riders squad for the 2023 Major League Cricket season comprises a diverse blend of international talent and promising local players. Led by a combination of established stars and emerging talents, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the tournament. The Los Angeles Knight Riders' squad features notable players such as Andre Russell and Sunil Narine from the West Indies, Jason Roy from England, Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand, Adam Zampa from Australia, Rilee Rossouw from South Africa, and Unmukt Chand from the USA. The formidable lineup of this Major League Cricket team, complemented by the promising local talent, sets the stage for an exciting and competitive campaign for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC 2023 season.

Major League Cricket teams
Photo by Icon Sport


Squad: Nitish Kumar (USA), Corne Dry (USA), Ali Sheikh (USA), Saif Badar (USA), Shadley Van Schalkwyk (USA), Bhaskar Yadram (USA), Andre Russell (West Indies), Sunil Narine (West Indies), Jason Roy (England), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Martin Guptill (New Zealand), Adam Zampa (Australia), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Ali Khan (USA), Unmukt Chand (USA), Jaskaran Malhotra (USA).

The schedule for the Los Angeles Knight Riders is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs Texas Super KingsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX14/07/202306:00 am
Vs MI New YorkGrand Prairie Stadium, TX17/07/202306:00 am
Vs San Francisco UnicornsGrand Prairie Stadium, TX19/07/202306:00 am
Vs Washington FreedomChurch Street Park, Morrisville21/07/202303:00am
Vs Seattle OrcasChurch Street Park, Morrisville23/07/202311:00 pm

San Francisco Unicorns 

The San Francisco Unicorns, one of the exciting teams competing in the 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, possess a diverse and talented squad that promises an enthralling display of cricketing prowess. Led by a combination of international stars and promising local talents, the Unicorns have assembled a formidable lineup. Spearheaded by the experienced Australian cricketer Aaron Finch, alongside his compatriots Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade, the team possesses a strong Australian contingent that adds depth and experience. 

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The Unicorns also boast international talents such as Qais Ahmed from Afghanistan, Finn Allen from New Zealand, and Shadab Khan from Pakistan. Moreover, the team features a mix of homegrown American players, including Corey Anderson, Tajinder Singh, Chaitanya Bishnoi, Carmi Leroux, Brody Couch, David White, Smit Patel, and Sanjay Krishnamurti, who aim to make their mark on the MLC stage. With such a diverse and talented squad, the San Francisco Unicorns are undoubtedly poised to captivate audiences and make their presence felt in this highly-anticipated cricketing extravaganza.

Squad: Aaron Finch (Australia), Marcus Stoinis (Australia), Matthew Wade (Australia), Qais Ahmed (Afghanistan), Finn Allen (New Zealand), Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa), Mackenzie Harvey (Australia), Corey Anderson (USA), Tajinder Singh, Chaitanya Bishnoi (USA), Carmi Leroux (USA), Brody Couch (USA), David White (USA), Smit Patel (USA), Liam Plunkett (USA) Sanjay Krishnamurti (USA).

The schedule for the San Francisco Unicorns is as follows:

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Vs MI New YorkGrand Prairie Stadium, TX15/07/202302:00 am
Vs Seattle OrcasGrand Prairie Stadium, TX16/07/202306:00 am
Vs Los Angeles Knight RidersGrand Prairie Stadium, TX19/07/202306:00 am
Vs Washington FreedomChurch Street Park, Morrisville23/07/202303:00 am
Vs Texas Super KingsChurch Street Park, Morrisville25/07/202303:00 am

Major League Cricket Playoffs:

The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023 season features an exciting qualifier schedule that will determine the finalists and ultimately decide the champion. The action kicks off on Friday, July 28, at 02:00 am with the Eliminator match at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The teams yet to be determined (T3 and T4) will battle it out for a spot in the next round. Following that, at 06:00 am, the Qualifier match takes place, featuring two more teams to be determined (T1 and T2). This match will determine one of the finalists. The excitement continues on Saturday, July 29, at 06:00 am with the Challenger match, where the remaining teams will compete for a chance to face the qualifier winner. Finally, on Monday, July 31, at 02:00 am, the much-anticipated Final match will take place, featuring the two top teams battling for the MLC championship title. All these thrilling encounters will unfold at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, promising cricket fans a spectacle of high-intensity clashes and edge-of-the-seat moments.

MatchLocationDateTime(IST)
Eliminator (T3 vs T4)Grand Prairie Stadium, TX28/07/202302:00 am
Qualifier 1 (T1 vs T2)Grand Prairie Stadium, TX28/07/202306:00 am
Challenger (Eliminator Winner vs Qualifier 1 Loser)Grand Prairie Stadium, TX29/07/202306:00 am
FINALGrand Prairie Stadium, TX31/07/202302:00 am
RohitRohit

Rohit is an experienced cricket writer based in India