Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|American professional cricket league}} {{For|the former cricket promoter|Major League Cricket (2000)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox cricket tournament main | name = Major League Cricket | image = Major League Cricket logo.svg | imagesize = 140px | caption = | country = {{flagu|United States}} | administrator = American Cricket Enterprises | cricket format = [[Twenty20]] | first = [[2023 Major League Cricket|2023]] | next = [[2025 Major League Cricket|2025]] | tournament format = [[Round-robin tournament|Round-robin]] and [[playoffs]] | last = [[2024 Major League Cricket|2024]] | participants = [[#Teams|6]] | champions = [[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]] <br>(1st title) | most successful = [[MI New York]]<br> [[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]] (1 title each) | qualification = | most runs = [[Nicholas Pooran]] (568) | most wickets = [[Trent Boult]] (31) | TV = [[#Broadcasters|List of broadcasters]] | website = {{URL|majorleaguecricket.com}} | current = [[2024 Major League Cricket season]] }} '''Major League Cricket''' ('''MLC'''), also known as '''[[Cognizant]] MLC'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cognizant Named As Major League Cricket Title Partner |url=https://news.cognizant.com/mlc |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=News {{!}} Cognizant Technology Solutions |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MLC |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/135 |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=www.majorleaguecricket.com}}</ref> for sponsorship reasons, is a professional [[Twenty20|Twenty20 cricket]] league based in the [[United States]]. Operated by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) and sanctioned by [[USA Cricket]], it began play on July 13, 2023, with six teams representing major US cities under a single-entity model.<ref>{{cite web|date= July 28, 2023|title=Cricket's American dream takes flight|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/127397/crickets-american-dream-takes-flight-cricbuzzcom|website=Cricbuzz}}</ref> The first season took place over three weeks at [[Grand Prairie Stadium]] in [[Grand Prairie, Texas]], and [[Church Street Park]] in [[Morrisville, North Carolina]], concluding on July 30, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2022 |title=USA set to give massive push to T20 cricket; Major League Cricket secures 100m pounds for tournament |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2022/09/06/usa-set-to-give-massive-push-to-t20-cricket-major-league-cricket-secures-100m-pounds-for-tournament/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=The Shillong Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The T20 Cricket in the US, the Major League Cricket, and the Future it Holds – Planet Cricket |url=https://planetcricket.com/news/the-t20-cricket-in-the-us-the-major-league-cricket-and-the-future-it-holds-348970 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=planetcricket.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, the [[Minor league|development league]] for MLC, [[Minor League Cricket]] (MiLC), completed its inaugural season, which was contested by 27 franchise-based teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/127400/the-mlcs-saffer-subculture|title=The MLC's Saffer subculture|website=Cricbuzz|date=July 28, 2023}}</ref> ==History== There have been various attempts to hold a Twenty20 (T20) cricket league in the United States, such as the short-lived [[Pro Cricket]] (which played a single season in 2004),<ref name=":0"/> and the [[American Premier League]], a proposed league in partnership between the [[United States of America Cricket Association]] (USACA) and [[New Zealand Cricket]], modelled after domestic T20 competitions. However, it has yet to properly launch in the United States as of July 2024. ===Formation: 2018–2021=== In November 2018 USA Cricket announced that it was seeking partners to establish a domestic T20 league in the country by 2021, with goals to "engage existing fans and grow new ones", and spur "sustainable development of cricketing infrastructure across the United States".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=November 27, 2018 |title=USA plan to launch their T20 League in 2021 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-plan-to-launch-their-t20-league-in-2021-1167043 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> In May 2019, USA Cricket accepted a bid by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) for a US$1&nbsp;billion investment, covering the league and other investments benefitting the US national teams. Its partners include Satyan Gajwani and [[Vineet Jain]] of [[The Times Group]], and [[Willow TV]] founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2019 |title=USA Cricket receives $1 billion boost to develop T20 league |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-cricket-receives-1-billion-boost-to-develop-t20-league-1185397 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Times Group: US T20 league to be launched in partnership with the Times Group|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/us-t20-league-to-be-launched-in-partnership-with-the-times-group/articleshow/69473735.cms|access-date=October 17, 2020}}</ref> As part of the agreement, ACE also handles commercial activities for T20I and ODI matches hosted by the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=October 6, 2022 |title=USA Cricket commercial partner deeply concerned over board's financial situation |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-cricket-commercial-partner-deeply-concerned-over-financial-situation-1338508 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In January 2019 [[USA Cricket]] was approved as the new governing board for cricket in USA,<ref>{{cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=January 8, 2019 |title=USA formally approved to rejoin ICC as Associate Member under USA Cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-formally-approved-to-rejoin-icc-as-associate-member-under-usa-cricket-1171092 |access-date=January 8, 2019 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> replacing the USACA, which had been expelled from the [[International Cricket Council]] in September 2017 due to governance issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=June 22, 2017 |title=USACA expelled by the ICC |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usaca-expelled-by-the-icc-1105349 |access-date=September 25, 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> The new body set a goal for cricket to reach wider, mainstream popularity in the country, where it has typically been considered a niche international sport.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=September 24, 2017 |title=New American governing body branded as USA Cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-american-governing-body-branded-as-usa-cricket-1121772 |access-date=December 20, 2017 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref name="times of india">{{cite news|last1=Gladson|first1=J.A.C.|date=September 26, 2017|title=USA Cricket getting closer to becoming a new federation|work=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/usa-cricket-getting-closer-to-becoming-a-new-federation/articleshow/60843288.cms|access-date=November 8, 2017}}</ref> In an annual general meeting on February 21, 2020, it was stated that USA Cricket planned to launch Major League Cricket in 2021, and a 22-team development league known as Minor League Cricket that summer as a prelude.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=February 22, 2020 |title=USA targets hosting ICC global events in next cycle |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-targets-hosting-icc-global-events-in-next-cycle-1217234 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Minor League Cricket was officially announced the following week, with plans to host a nine-week, 170-game season beginning [[Independence Day (United States)|July 4]];<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 28, 2020|title=USA Cricket Announce Franchise-based T20 Competition|url=https://cricket.yahoo.net/news/usa-cricket-announce-franchise-based-042226766|access-date=October 17, 2020|website=Yahoo! Cricket}}</ref> however, it was postponed to 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Bob |date=August 2, 2020 |title=USA Cricket re-evaluating Major League Cricket debut timing due to Covid-19 concerns |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/major-league-cricket-debut-poised-to-be-pushed-back-to-2022 |access-date=October 17, 2020 |website=SportBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Barot |first=Dhruv |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Minor League Cricket Draft Announcement and Latest Update on Plans for 2020 |url=https://usacricket.org/media-release/minor-league-cricket-draft-announcement-and-latest-update-on-plans-for-2020 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=USA Cricket |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2020 USA Cricket reaffirmed plans to launch Major League Cricket in 2022 as part of its "foundational plan" for 2020–23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=October 15, 2020 |title=USA Cricket targets ICC Full Membership by 2030 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-cricket-targets-icc-full-membership-by-2030-1236098 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> On December 1, 2020, it was announced that the IPL's [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] (co-owned by Bollywood actor [[Shah Rukh Khan]]) would invest in ACE.<ref name="urlShah Rukh Khans Knight Riders invests in US Major League Cricket | Business Standard News">{{cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Shah Rukh Khan's Knight Riders invests in US Major League Cricket |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/shah-rukh-khan-s-knight-riders-invests-in-usa-s-major-league-cricket-120120100696_1.html |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=Business Standard News}}</ref><ref name="sportspromedia.com">{{Cite web|date=December 1, 2020|title=Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan buys into Major League Cricket|url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/shah-rukh-khan-knight-riders-group-major-league-cricket-investment|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=SportsPro Media}}</ref> In February 2021 MLC announced plans for Minor League Cricket Youth and Major League Cricket Youth leagues, which would, alongside a MLC Jr. Championship and player development program, serve as a development system for younger players to progress towards Major League Cricket and the national team.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunmore |first=Tom |date=February 16, 2021 |title=Youth Cricketers to benefit from the new pathways created by MLC |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/youth-cricketers-to-benefit-from-the-new-pathways-created-by-mlc/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Major League Cricket}}</ref> In May 2021, the launch of Major League Cricket was delayed to 2023 due to COVID-19 and to provide additional time to develop facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=May 21, 2021 |title=USA's MLC T20 tournament pushed back to 2023 at AGM |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-s-mlc-t20-tournament-pushed-back-to-2023-at-agm-1263761 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> === Launch: 2022–2023 === In May 2022 Major League Cricket announced it had acquired funds of US$120 million as part of its [[Series A round|Series A]] and A1 fundraising rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/major-league-cricket-secures-120m-funding-to-drive-american-cricket-development/ |work=Major League Cricket |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Major League Cricket Secures $120M Funding to Drive American Cricket Development |access-date=May 19, 2022}}</ref> Investors committing to MLC featured the likes of [[Microsoft]] CEO [[Satya Nadella]], [[Ross Perot Jr.]], [[Anand Rajaraman]], [[Shantanu Narayen]] and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2022/05/18/microsoft-ceo-nadella-cricket-funding-redmond.html |first=Alex |last=Halverson |date=May 18, 2022 |website=[[American City Business Journals]] |title=Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella leads investment to launch US pro cricket league |access-date=May 19, 2022}}</ref> MLC plans to use these funds to mainly build stadiums and first-class facilities in the hopes of accelerating cricket's development across the United States.<ref name="SeattleInvestors">{{cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Ross Perot Jr among investors committing $120 million to MLC |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-cricket-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-ross-perot-jr-among-investors-committing-120-million-to-mlc-1315706 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontofficesports.com/major-league-cricket-secures-120m-to-expand-sport-in-u-s |first=Justin |last=Byers |date=May 18, 2022 |website=Front Office Sports |title=Major League Cricket Secures $120M to Expand in U.S. |access-date=May 19, 2022}}</ref> In June 2022 MLC announced the inaugural season of Minor League Cricket Youth (MiLC Youth).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.minorleaguecricket.com/2022/06/10/2022-ust-minor-league-cricket-youth-tournament-announced/ |work=[[Minor League Cricket]] |date=June 10, 2022 |title=2022 UST Minor League Cricket Youth Tournament Announced |access-date=July 28, 2022}}</ref> The inaugural season of MiLC Youth was announced to be contested between eleven teams at the [[Prairie View Cricket Complex]] in [[Houston]] starting July 25, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/inaugural-ust-minor-league-cricket-youth-tournament-underway-in-houston-tx/ |work=MLC Academies |publisher=Major League Cricket |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Inaugural UST Minor League Cricket Youth Tournament Underway in Houston, TX |access-date=July 28, 2022}}</ref> The finals for the inaugural season took place on July 29 at between the Dallas Mustangs and the [[New Jersey Stallions (cricket)|New Jersey Stallions]],<ref>{{cite tweet|user=milcusa |author=[[Minor League Cricket]] |number=1552817728339251201 |title=Watch as the New Jersey Stallions take on the Dallas Mustangs in the @USTglobal MiLC Youth 2022 Finals tomorrow at 9:30am CT in Houston, TX!!! |access-date=July 29, 2022}}</ref> in which the Stallions beat the Mustangs by two wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/ust-emerging-cricketer-scholarships-awarded-to-support-next-generation-of-american-cricket-talent/ |work=MLC Academies |publisher=Major League Cricket |date=July 29, 2022 |title=UST Emerging Cricketer Scholarships Awarded to Support Next Generation of American Cricket Talent |access-date=July 20, 2022}}</ref> In November 2022, it was announced the first season of MLC will be staged from July 13–30, 2023, at [[Grand Prairie Stadium]]. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format with 15 league matches played among six franchises before a four-match play-off phase. MLC also hopes to play matches in a to-be-constructed stadium in Los Angeles, and [[Church Street Park]] in [[Morrisville, North Carolina]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Major League Cricket set for July 2023 launch in Dallas |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/major-league-cricket-set-for-july-2023-launch-in-dallas-1345063 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In February 2023, it was announced that the player draft for the league's inaugural season would be held on March 19, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 7, 2023 |title=Major League Cricket To Lift Off At Inaugural Season Draft Set For March 19 In Houston |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/major-league-cricket-draft-announcement/ |access-date=February 17, 2023 |newspaper=Major League Cricket}}</ref> The [[2023 Major League Cricket players' draft|inaugural player draft]] was held on March 19, 2023, at the [[Johnson Space Center|NASA Johnson Space Center]] in [[Houston]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=February 3, 2023 |title=MLC set to launch with draft on March 9 at NASA's Johnson Space Center |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mlc-player-draft-on-march-9-at-nasa-johnson-space-center-in-houston-1357156 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref> The draft was conducted over 9 rounds via a [[serpentine system]], where the team order is reversed every round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/major-league-cricket-to-take-off-at-inaugural-season-draft-in-houston-article-98779784 |publisher=[[Times Now]] |date=March 19, 2023 |title=Major League Cricket to take off at inaugural season draft in Houston |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Out of the 9 rounds, 8 were general draft picks, with the final round being exclusively for U-23 players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wisden.com/stories/global-t20-leagues/major-league-cricket-2023/major-league-cricket-2023-draft-all-you-need-to-know-format-timings-top-players-venue-and-more-mlc-2023-draft |first=Lawrence |last=Booth |date=March 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Wisden Cricket Monthly|Wisden]] |title=Major League Cricket 2023 draft, all you need to know: Format, timings, top players, venue and more – MLC 2023 draft |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Each of the six teams had a purse of over $1&nbsp;million, with $800,000 for overseas players and $300,000 for US-based players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/aaron-finch-marcus-stoinis-and-mitchell-marsh-sign-on-for-inaugural-major-league-cricket-tournament/news-story/17aecde6d7be3c1b5a2ccc87d92466ef |first=Nic |last=Savage |date=March 20, 2023 |work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |title=Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh sign on for inaugural Major League Cricket tournament |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The draft had a fixed salary cap with a maximum of $75,000 (first round) and a minimum of $2,500 (ninth round).<ref>{{cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Harmeet Singh goes first in MLC Draft to Seattle Orcas; Ali Khan and Unmukt Chand snapped by LA Knight Riders |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/harmeet-singh-goes-first-in-mlc-draft-to-seattle-orcas-ali-khan-and-unmukt-chand-snapped-by-la-knight-riders-1364457 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref> Overseas signings were directly signed and were not part of the draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2023/03/20/australian-stars-highlight-signings-for-historic-american-pro-cricket-league/ |first=Tristan |last=Lavalette |date=March 20, 2023 |work=[[Forbes]] |title=Australian Stars Highlight Signings For Historic American Pro Cricket League |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Each franchise must have a minimum of fifteen players, with the maximum being eighteen. Out of these eighteen players, a maximum of nine can be overseas players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/major-league-cricket-2023-draft-international-players-signed-teams-squads-full-list/article66642138.ece |publisher=[[Sportstar]] |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Major League Cricket: Full list of players picked in draft; international players signed for MLC 2023, squads, teams |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Following the draft, it was reported that USAC had not yet sanctioned either Major or Minor League Cricket for the 2023 season, with the ICC stating that its members should not issue [[No Objection Certificate]]s (NOCs) to release players to participate at this time. Interim chairman of the board Atul Rai citing unspecified concerns and outstanding issues over how ACE is administering the competitions, including wanting to seek a more "favorable" short-term agreement. MLC director Justin Geale stated that the sanctioning applications were with USA Cricket", and that "the recent staffing changes at USA Cricket may have contributed to any delays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=March 23, 2023 |title=MLC start under threat after dispute between organisers and USA Cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mlc-start-under-threat-after-dispute-between-organisers-and-usa-cricket-1365043 |access-date=March 25, 2023 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> In April 2023, the league was officially sanctioned by the ICC, removing a significant obstacle to the league launching in July.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 14, 2023 |title=MLC gets official ICC sanction ahead of July launch this year |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/major-league-cricket-gets-icc-sanction-ahead-of-july-2023-launch-1368686 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Play began on July&nbsp;13, 2023.<ref name="debut">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1187445629/major-league-cricket-debut-texas-history-sport |title=America doesn't really care about cricket. Can Major League Cricket change that? |last=Kasi |first=Brashna |date=2023-07-13 |access-date=2023-07-13 |publisher=[[NPR]] |department=Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> === 2024 season === In December 2023 it was announced that the second season of the MLC tournament would begin on July 5, 2024, just four days after the conclusion of the [[2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/128821/mlc-2024-set-for-july-4-start-cricbuzzcom|title=MLC 2024 set for July 4 start |date=16 December 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]]}}</ref> It was also reported that the matches would be played in [[Grand Prairie Stadium]] along with other venues.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/129|title=Major League Cricket Announces 2024 Season Window |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 16, 2023 |publisher=Major League Cricket}}</ref> In February 2024 the lists of retained domestic and overseas players were released ahead of the [[2024 Major League Cricket players' draft|domestic player draft]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Major League Cricket 2024: List of retained players for MLC franchises ahead of second season|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/in/cricket/news/major-league-cricket-2024-list-retained-players-mlc-franchises-ahead-second-season/2339c8265303d9e3f33aadc8 |website=The Sporting News| access-date=16 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DOMESTIC PLAYER RETENTIONS FOR MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET 2024 ANNOUNCED|url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/134 |website=Major League Cricket| access-date=2 March 2024 }}</ref> In March, [[Cognizant]] was named as the title sponsor for the league from the 2024 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/135|title=COGNIZANT NAMED AS MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET TITLE PARTNER |date=March 13, 2024 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |publisher=Major League Cricket}}</ref> In May 2024 the ICC granted the tournament official [[List A]] status,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mlc-gets-official-list-a-status-from-icc-ahead-of-second-season-1435584|title=Major League Cricket gets official List A status from ICC ahead of second season |date=May 27, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> resulting in the official recognition of the tournament as a "T20 league" and tournament playing records now being counted as official format statistics.<ref name="expansion">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/130543/mlc-gets-list-a-status-eyes-expansion-to-10-teams|title=MLC gets List A status, eyes expansion to 10 teams |date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |publisher=Cricbuzz}}</ref> Vijay Srinivasan, MLC's chief executive, later emphasized ambitions to expand the tournament to 10 teams and to increase the number of matches played.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/27/major-league-cricket-expansion-english-threat|title=Major League Cricket’s expansion plan poses a threat to English competitions |date=May 27, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |publisher=The Guardian}}</ref> == Teams == MLC began with six teams and uses a single-entity structure under which all teams are owned by ACE, with investor-operators (who have invested in the company) assigned to each team.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Bob |date=November 11, 2020 |title=49ers helping USA Cricket to push niche sport into the mainstream |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/2020/11/49ers-helping-usa-cricket-to-push-niche-sport-into-the-mainstream/ |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=SportBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref> It plans to expand to ten teams in the future, expanding from an initial 19-game season to a 34-game season by 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bull |first=Andy |date=2024-05-27 |title=Major League Cricket’s expansion plan poses a threat to English competitions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/27/major-league-cricket-expansion-english-threat |access-date=2024-05-27 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> USA Cricket's CEO [[Iain Higgins]] identified [[Atlanta]], Chicago, Los Angeles, [[New Jersey]], New York City, and San Francisco as markets where the sport was most popular.<ref name="sportspromedia.com"/> The league's six inaugural teams are assigned to [[Texas Super Kings|Dallas]], [[Los Angeles Knight Riders|Los Angeles]], [[MI New York|New York]], [[San Francisco Unicorns|San Francisco]], [[Seattle Orcas|Seattle]], and [[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Cassidy |first=Benjamin |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Cricket's Up to Bat in Seattle |url=https://seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2022/07/seattle-thunderbolts-minor-league-t20-cricket-usa |access-date=July 29, 2022 |website=[[Seattle Metropolitan]]}}</ref> Only Dallas currently has a home stadium; the league plans to build cricket stadiums in the other locales. ===List of current teams=== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;font-size:91%; |+Major League Cricket teams |- ! colspan="2" | Team ! City ! Stadium ! Capacity ! Founded ! Captain ! Coach ! Owners |- ! style="background:#3b1c4d" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[Los Angeles Knight Riders]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindustantimes.com/cricket/usas-major-league-cricket-set-to-host-its-inaugural-season-draft-in-houston-101679220431720.html |publisher=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=March 19, 2023 |title=USA's Major League Cricket set to host its inaugural season draft in Houston |access-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref> | [[Los Angeles]] | [[Orange County Great Park|Great Park Cricket Stadium]] (planned)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/sports/asia/shah-rukh-khan-knight-riders-cricket-stadium-los-angeles-1235255440/ |first=Naman |last=Ramachandran |date=May 1, 2022 |title=Shah Rukh Khan's Knight Riders Group to Invest in $30 Million Cricket Stadium Near Los Angeles |publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> | align=center | 10,000 (planned) | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Sunil Narine]] | align=center | [[Phil Simmons]] | [[Kolkata Knight Riders#Knight Riders Group|Knight Riders Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketinvestor.co.uk/cricket-business-news/kolkata-knight-riders-invests-in-usa-s-major-league-cricket |first=John |last=Stephenson |date=December 1, 2020 |publisher=Cricket Business News |title=Kolkata Knight Riders Invests in USA's Major League Cricket |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> |- ! style="background:#0000B1" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[MI New York]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news18.com/cricketnext/major-league-cricket-mumbai-indians-expand-onefamily-with-new-york-franchise-7334101.html |first=Aakash |last=Biswas |date=March 19, 2023 |publisher=[[CNN-News18|News18]] |title=Major League Cricket: Mumbai Indians Expand #OneFamily with New York Franchise |access-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref> | [[New York City]] | [[Marine Park (Brooklyn park)|Marine Park Cricket Stadium]] (planned)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-t20-franchise-league-mlc-projected-to-spend-110-million-on-facilities-ahead-of-2023-launch-1306255 |first=Peter |last=Della Penna |date=March 18, 2022 |title=USA T20 franchise league MLC projected to spend $110 million on facilities ahead of 2023 launch |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> | align=center | 10,000 (planned) | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Kieron Pollard]]<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=Captain Pollard, Rashid, Boult headline MI New York 2023 squad |url=https://www.mumbaiindians.com/news/captain-pollard-rashid-boult-headline-mi-new-york-2023-squad |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Mumbai Indians |language=en}}</ref> | align=center | [[Robin Peterson]]<ref name=":4"/> | [[Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd.|Indiawin Sports]]<ref name="IPLOwners"/> |- ! style="background:#1E2952" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[San Francisco Unicorns]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/sports/meet-san-franciscos-newest-professional-team-the-unicorns/ |first=Ethan |last=Kassel |date=March 17, 2023 |publisher=[[The San Francisco Standard]] |title=Meet San Francisco's Newest Pro Sports Team, the Unicorns |access-date=March 18, 2023}}</ref> | [[San Francisco]] | [[Santa Clara County Fairgrounds|Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Stadium]] (planned)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/sports/san-francisco-is-getting-its-own-major-league-cricket-team |first=Kevin |last=Nguyen |date=November 17, 2022 |publisher=[[The San Francisco Standard]] |title=San Francisco is Getting its Own Major League Cricket Team |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> | align=center | 15,000 (planned) | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Corey Anderson (cricketer)|Corey Anderson]] | align=center | [[Shane Watson]] | [[Anand Rajaraman]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/125813/cricket-victoria-follow-nsws-footsteps-to-partner-with-major-league-cricket-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |date=March 8, 2023 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]] |title=Cricket Victoria follow NSW's footsteps to partner with Major League Cricket |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref><br>[[Venky Harinarayan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfchronicle.com/sports/article/cricket-in-Bay-Area-17419559.php |first=Sydney |last=Bauer |date=September 5, 2022 |publisher=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |title=Can Bay Area cricket be a launching pad for local prospects, new U.S. league? |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> |- ! style="background:#AEFF07" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[Seattle Orcas]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Schlosser |first=Kurt |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Meet the Seattle Orcas: New pro cricket team is backed by Microsoft CEO and other tech leaders |url=https://geekwire.com/2023/seattle-area-gets-pro-cricket-team-named-the-orcas-and-tech-backers-see-their-dream-for-sport-realized |access-date=March 16, 2023 |publisher=[[GeekWire]]}}</ref> | [[Seattle]] | [[Marymoor Park|Marymoor Cricket Community Park]] (planned)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2022/02/26/with-cricket-blossoming-there-seattle-looms-as-a-venue-for-the-2024-t20-world-cup/ |first=Tristan |last=Lavalette |work=[[Forbes]] |date=February 26, 2022 |title=With Cricket Blossoming There, Seattle Looms As A Venue For The 2024 T20 World Cup |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> | align=center | 6,000 (planned) | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Heinrich Klaasen]] | align=center | [[Pravin Amre]] | [[GMR Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/owners-of-mumbai-indians-csk-delhi-capitals-to-own-teams-in-mlc-1363831 |first=Nagraj |last=Gollapudi |date=March 16, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |title=Owners of Mumbai Indians, CSK, Delhi Capitals to own teams in USA's Major League Cricket |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref><br>[[S. Somasegar]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Nina |date=April 2, 2023 |title=Major League Cricket is coming to Seattle. Will it become the new soccer? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/major-league-cricket-is-coming-to-seattle-will-it-become-the-new-soccer/ |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><br> [[Satya Nadella]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://businessinsider.in/sports/news/satya-nadella-gmr-group-bag-rights-for-a-team-in-us-t20-franchise-major-league-cricket/articleshow/98727672.cms |first=Ian |last=White |publisher=[[Business Insider]] |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Satya Nadella, GMR group bag rights for a team in US' T20 franchise Major League Cricket |access-date=March 18, 2023}}</ref>{{efn|Although there are numerous other investors backing the team (such as [[S. Somasegar|Soma Somasegar]] and [[Sanjay Parthasarathy]]), Nadella and the GMR Group are the team's main stakeholders and investors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehindu.com/sport/cricket/delhi-capitals-joins-hands-with-satya-nadella-to-own-major-league-cricket-team-in-us/article66630496.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Delhi Capitals joins hands with Satya Nadella to own Major League Cricket team in U.S. |access-date=March 18, 2023}}</ref>}} |- ! style="background:#FFF100" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[Texas Super Kings]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/cricket-super-kings-grand-prairie |first=Teresa |last=Gubbins |publisher=CultureMap Dallas |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Texas' first professional cricket team unveils new name and team roster |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> | [[Texas City, Texas|Texas City]] | [[Grand Prairie Stadium]] | align=center | 15,000 | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Faf du Plessis]] | align=center | [[Stephen Fleming]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Rajwani-Dharsi |first=Naheed |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Texas' Major League Cricket team announces name, coach |url=https://axios.com/local/dallas/2023/03/21/texas-super-kings-cricket |access-date=March 21, 2023 |publisher=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]}}</ref> | [[Chennai Super Kings]]<ref name="IPLOwners">{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/125950/dcs-gmr-group-mi-and-csk-to-run-mlc-franchises |first=Smit |last=Patel |date=March 16, 2023 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]] |title=DC's GMR group, MI and CSK to run MLC franchises |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref><br>Anurag Jain<ref>{{cite web |last=Swanger |first=Ben |last2=Crow |first2=Suzanne |name-list-style=and |date=May 27, 2022 |title=Anurag Jain Wants to Make Dallas America's Cricket Capital |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/business-economy/2022/05/anurag-jain-wants-to-make-dallas-americas-cricket-capital |access-date=April 5, 2024 |publisher=[[D Magazine]]}}</ref><br>[[Ross Perot Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2022/05/24/major-league-cricket-readies-plans-with-big-name-investors-ross-perot-jr-and-anurag-jain/ |first=Alexandra |last=Skores |date=May 24, 2022 |publisher=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |title=Major League Cricket readies plans with big-name investors Ross Perot Jr. and Anurag Jain |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref> |- ! style="background:#000028" | ! style="text-align:left" | [[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://washingtonian.com/2023/03/15/say-hello-to-dcs-new-major-league-cricket-team-the-washington-freedom |first=Katie |last=Kenny |date=March 15, 2023 |publisher=[[Washingtonian (magazine)|Washingtonian]] |title=Say Hello to DC's New Major League Cricket Team, the Washington Freedom |access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref> | [[Washington, D.C.]] | TBD | align=center | TBD | align=center | 2023 | align=center | [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] | align=center | [[Ricky Ponting]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-06 |title=Ponting confirmed as Washington Freedom head coach in Major League Cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ricky-ponting-confirmed-as-washington-freedom-head-coach-in-major-league-cricket-1420050 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> | [[Sanjay Govil]]<ref name="FreedomOwner">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/coming-to-america-new-south-wales-signs-deal-with-major-league-cricket-1359328 |first=Andrew |last=McGlashan |date=February 17, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |title=Coming to America: New South Wales signs deal with Major League Cricket |access-date=March 12, 2023}}</ref>{{efn|Although Govil has launched a strategic partnership with [[Cricket NSW]], it is understood that there is no ownership element in the deal.<ref name="FreedomOwner"/>}} |} <!-- Commenting this one out, since all teams are currently based in Grand Prairie {{Location map+|United States|places={{Location map~ |United States |lat=33.669445 |long=-117.823059 |mark=purple pog.svg |label=[[Los Angeles Knight Riders]] |position=right}} {{Location map~ |United States |lat=40.650002 |long=-73.949997 |mark=blue pog.svg |label=[[MI New York]] |position=top}} {{Location map~ |United States |lat=37.335480 |long=-121.893028 |mark=orange pog.svg |label=[[San Francisco Unicorns]] |position=right|label_width=20}} {{Location map~ |United States |lat=47.673988 |long=-122.121513 |mark=green pog.svg |label=[[Seattle Orcas]] |position=bottom}} {{Location map~ |United States |lat=32.738773 |long=-97.003098 |mark=yellow pog.svg |label=[[Texas Super Kings]] |position=top}} {{Location map~ |United States |lat=38.8515 |long=-77.3025 |mark=red pog.svg |label=[[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]] |position=bottom}}|width=450|caption=A list of where each MLC team is based|float=center|AlternativeMap=USA edcp location map lite.svg}} --> == Tournament season and results == {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |+MLC season winner |- !scope="col" rowspan="2" |Season ! rowspan="2" scope="colgroup" |Venue ! colspan="3" |Final !scope="col" rowspan="2" |Player of the series ! rowspan="2" |No. of teams |- !scope="col"|Winner !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Runners-up |- |scope="row"|'''[[2023 Major League Cricket|2023]]''' |rowspan="2" |[[Grand Prairie Stadium]], [[Texas]] |[[MI New York]]<br/>{{small|184/3 (16 overs)}} |'''MI New York won by 7 wickets'''<br />[https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2023-1357742/seattle-orcas-vs-mi-new-york-final-1381379/full-scorecard Scorecard] |[[Seattle Orcas]]<br />{{small|183/9 (20 overs)}} |[[Nicholas Pooran]]<br />([[MI New York]]) |rowspan="2" |6 |- |scope="row"|'''[[2024 Major League Cricket|2024]]''' |[[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]]<br/>{{small|207/5 (20 overs)}} |'''Washington Freedom won by 96 runs'''<br/>[https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2024-1432722/washington-freedom-vs-san-francisco-unicorns-final-1432750/full-scorecard Scorecard] |[[San Francisco Unicorns]]<br/>{{small|111 (16 overs)}} |[[Travis Head]]<br />([[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]]) |} == Teams' performances == === Seasons === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !scope="col" {{diagonal split header 2|<br />Teams|Seasons}} ![[2023 Major League Cricket|2023]] ![[2024 Major League Cricket|2024]] |- ! align="left" | [[Los Angeles Knight Riders]] | 6th | 5th |- ! align="left" | [[MI New York]] | style="background: gold" | '''1st''' | style="background: #cfc" |4th |- ! align="left" | [[San Francisco Unicorns]] | 5th | style="background: silver" | 2nd |- ! align="left" | [[Seattle Orcas]] | style="background: silver" | 2nd | 6th |- ! align="left" | [[Texas Super Kings]] | style="background: #c96" | 3rd | style="background: #c96" | 3rd |- ! align=left | [[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]] | style="background: #cfc" |4th | style="background: gold" | '''1st''' |- |} == Venues == On November 18, 2020, it was announced that ACE would lease [[AirHogs Stadium]] in Grand Prairie, Texas—home of the former [[Texas AirHogs]] independent baseball team—and convert it to a cricket-specific facility that will host a Grand Prairie-based team in Major League Cricket.<ref>{{Cite news |last=DiFurio |first=Dom |date=November 18, 2020 |title=Grand Prairie approves stadium redevelopment plan that could make the city a premiercricket destination |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2020/11/17/grand-prairies-stadium-redevelopment-could-make-the-city-a-premiere-us-cricket-destination |access-date=April 5, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=November 20, 2020 |title=Former Dallas baseball stadium to become 'new home of USA cricket' |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-cricket-former-dallas-baseball-stadium-to-become-new-home-of-usa-cricket-1239629 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |newspaper=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, ACE discussed plans to invest $110&nbsp;million in eight newly constructed or renovated venues for the league and possible hosting of matches during the [[2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] (which the United States is co-hosting with the West Indies), including the aforementioned Grand Prairie Stadium, [[Church Street Park]] in [[Morrisville, North Carolina|Morrisville]], [[Moosa Stadium]] in [[Pearland, Texas|Pearland]], [[Prairie View Cricket Complex]] in [[Prairie View, Texas|Prairie View]], and new sites in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]] (backed by the Knight Riders), the [[Santa Clara County Fairgrounds]], and [[Marymoor Park]] in [[Redmond, Washington]]. The renovated venues have a budget of approximately $3&nbsp;million each, while the three new west coast venues have a budget of $30&nbsp;million each; ACE stated that the west coast venues would be completed by 2024, and will have a projected capacity of 10,000–20,000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Della Penna |first=Peter |date=March 18, 2022 |title=USA T20 franchise league MLC projected to spend $110 million on facilities ahead of 2023 launch |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/usa-t20-franchise-league-mlc-projected-to-spend-110-million-on-facilities-ahead-of-2023-launch-1306255 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MLC STADIUM DEVELOPMENT TIMELINES AND ADDITIONAL VENUES ANNOUNCED |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/mlc-stadium-development-timelines-and-additional-venues-announced/ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |website=Major League Cricket |language=en-US}}</ref> As of November 2022, it was reported that work on the other proposed pitches had not yet commenced.<ref name=":3"/> In February 2023, it was reported that most of the 2023 matches were set to be played in Grand Prairie, with Church Street Park set to be used as a secondary venue.<ref name=":3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/steve-smith-reportedly-looking-to-join-174-million-major-league-cricket-next-year/news-story/13d69b3350d06718ae3bfd9a3c87d883 |work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Steve Smith reportedly looking to join $174 million Major League Cricket next year |access-date=February 21, 2023}}</ref> Due to the summer heat in Texas, it was reported by ''[[ESPNcricinfo]]'' that most matches would be scheduled as night games, rather than scheduled in the daytime hours to attract audiences in markets such as India.<ref name=":3"/> With the announcement of the 2023 schedule, it was confirmed that a portion of the group stage will be played at Church Street Park; due to a curfew on the use of floodlights, these matches will begin in the early evening.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Morrisville on track to enhance cricket experience, host Major League Cricket events |url=https://abc11.com/cricket-in-morrisville-major-league-church-street-park-world-series/13212779/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=ABC11 Raleigh-Durham |language=en}}</ref> This was true for the [[2024 Major League Cricket season|2024 season]] as well, with matches again being played in Grand Prairie and Morrisville.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mlc-2024-to-begin-on-july-5-set-for-six-day-clash-with-the-hundred-1432719 |first=Matt |last=Roller |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=May 7, 2024 |title=MLC 2024 to begin on July 5, set for six-day clash with the Hundred |access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref> == Broadcasters == In the United States, MLC games are broadcast by [[Willow (TV channel)|Willow]], with selected matches also being carried by [[CBS Sports Network]], and over-the-top television service [[Sling TV]] also streaming matches as part of a sponsorship agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Euan |date=2023-07-18 |title=MLC adds CBS and Sling TV as domestic coverage partners |url=https://www.sportcal.com/media/mlc-adds-cbs-and-sling-tv-as-domestic-coverage-partners/ |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=Sportcal |language=en-US}}</ref> For 2024, MLC also began to reach syndication agreements with [[regional sports network]]s, with [[YES Network]] announcing an agreement to air MI New York matches.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Team USA's T20 cricket story shines light on sport's hope to grow in the U.S. |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/06/12/cricket-t20-world-cup-united-states-growth |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}}</ref> International providers include [[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]] in the UK and Ireland, [[ARY Digital Network|ARY]] in Pakistan, and [[Prime Video]] in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/where-to-watch/where_to_watch_major_league_cricket_live_stream_mlc_2023_tv_channels_venues_fixtures.html |title=Where to watch Major League Cricket: live stream MLC 2023, TV channels, venues, fixtures |website=thecricketer.com |date=July 13, 2023 |access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MLC |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/154 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=www.majorleaguecricket.com}}</ref> === List of broadcasters (2024 season) === {| class="wikitable" |- !Territory !Channels and Online streaming |- |United States |[[Willow TV]], [[YES Network]] ([[MI New York]] games), [[Monumental Sports Network]] ([[Washington Freedom (cricket)|Washington Freedom]] games) |- |Canada |[[Willow TV]] |- |Australia and New Zealand |[[Amazon Prime Video]] |- |[[Middle East and North Africa]] |[[Cricbuzz]] |- |Pakistan |[[A Sports]] |- |[[Sub-Saharan Africa]] |[[ESPN]] |- |United Kingdom and Ireland |[[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]] |- |India |[[Sony Sports Network]] (Television) & [[JioCinema]] ([[Over-the-top media service|OTT]]) |} ==Records and statistics== {{main|List of Major League Cricket records and statistics}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+Major League Cricket records<ref>[https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/major-league-cricket-2023-15244 ESPNcricinfo]</ref> !scope="col"|Category !scope="col"|Statistic !scope="col"|Record holder !scope="col"|Value |- |rowspan="4" |Batting Records !scope="row"|Most runs |[[Nicholas Pooran]] |388 |- !scope="row"|[[batting average (cricket)|Highest average]] |[[Nicholas Pooran]] |64.66 |- !scope="row"|Highest score |[[Nicholas Pooran]] |134 |- !scope="row"|Most sixes |[[Nicholas Pooran]] |34 |- |rowspan="3" | Bowling Records !scope="row"|Most wickets | [[Trent Boult]] |22 |- !scope="row"|Best [[strike rate]] | [[Tim David]] | 6.00 |- !scope="row"|Best [[economy rate]] |[[Glenn Phillips (cricketer)|Glenn Phillips]] |4.00 |- |rowspan="2" | Fielding !scope="row"|Most dismissals ([[wicket-keeper]]) |[[Quinton de Kock]] |9 |- !scope="row"|Most catches ([[fielding (cricket)|fielder]]) |[[Heinrich Klaasen]] |9 |- |rowspan="2" | Team Records !scope="row"|Highest total | [[San Francisco Unicorns|San Francisco]] | 215/5, vs. [[MI New York|New York]] |- !scope="row"|Lowest total | [[Los Angeles Knight Riders|Los Angeles]] | 50, vs. [[MI New York|New York]] |} == Minor League Cricket == {{main|Minor League Cricket}} Minor League Cricket is a developmental league for Major League Cricket that completed its inaugural season in 2021.<ref name=":1"/> It consists of 26 franchise-based teams in four regional divisions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2023 |title=Player registration portal opened for inaugural Minor League Cricket |url=https://majorleaguecrickett20.com/ |access-date=October 17, 2020 |website=Major League Cricket t20 |language=en}}</ref> Unlike Major League Cricket, Minor League Cricket uses privately owned franchises.<ref name=":2"/> == Notes == {{notelist}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * {{Official website}} {{Major League Cricket|state=expanded}} {{Cricket in the United States}} {{Twenty20 leagues}} {{Top-level sport leagues in the United States}} [[Category:Major League Cricket| ]] [[Category:United States cricket in the 21st century]] [[Category:Professional cricket leagues]] [[Category:Cricket leagues in the United States]] [[Category:Professional sports leagues in the United States]] [[Category:Twenty20 cricket leagues]] [[Category:Sports leagues established in 2019]] [[Category:2019 establishments in the United States]]'