(ML Cricket X)
In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has conferred List-A status upon Major League Cricket (MLC) matches in the United States, marking a milestone achievement in only its second season. This decision underscores the ICC’s commitment to fostering cricket’s growth in one of the world’s largest sports markets.
The timing of the ICC’s decision is notable, coming just a week before MLC kicks off its highly anticipated second season and shortly before the Americas region hosts the prestigious T20 World Cup, a marquee event in the cricket calendar.
With this move, MLC ascends to the status of the official T20 league in the United States, heralding a new era as America’s inaugural world-class domestic tournament officially recognized by the ICC.
“Now, every century, half-century, ‘five-for’, run-out, win, loss, and championship will be documented as official career statistics in an internationally recognised format of the game,” said MLC in a statement.
Granting official status to Major League Cricket (MLC) signifies a significant step forward in offering local American players and emerging talents a platform for global exposure, thereby advancing the growth of domestic cricket talent within the nation.
“The List-A status comes after the MLC’s successful inaugural season and underscores its unwavering dedication to delivering premier cricket in the United States,” the statement added.
MLC CEO, Vijay Srinivasan, had recently announced the expansion of tournament from 19 games in 2023 to 34 by 2025.
“We saw cricket mania sweep across the US last year off the back of our inaugural season of Major League Cricket. Now, we take exciting momentum into the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup and season two of the MLC,”said Srinivasan.
“With an unforgettable summer of cricket on our doorstep, we’re ready to capture the hearts of American sports fans with our thrilling, adrenaline-charged game that is the most exciting emerging T20 tournament across the globe,” he added.
Endorsed by USA Cricket, Major League Cricket (MLC) witnessed participation from numerous international players hailing from countries such as New Zealand and Australia, among others, in its previous season. The inaugural edition featured six teams: Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and the Washington Freedom.
