“We are really excited for the news as it’s a recognition of the standard and high quality of players taking part in the tournament,” expressed tournament director Justin Geale to ESPNcricinfo.
“By awarding MLC List A status for the upcoming season, it acknowledges the strength and growing stature of the tournament and ultimately will help to enhance the credibility of the sport in the USA on a global scale.”
The U.S. is set to co-host this year’s men’s Twenty20 World Cup with West Indies, and the 2024 MLC is scheduled to commence on July 5, just a week after the global tournament concludes.
Renowned former Australia captain Ricky Ponting leads Washington Freedom as head coach, with West Indian Kieron Pollard, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, and Australian Aaron Finch among the high-profile players signed up for MLC teams.
“It was always intended to be a 10-team league,” revealed MLC chief executive Vijay Srinivasan to the Guardian. “Studies show that we are a big enough country, with a big enough demographic to support 10 teams.”
“We had 19 games in our first season, will have 25 in our second. I think we want to get to 34 next year, and just gradually keep expanding.”
Four IPL franchises either own teams in MLC or have invested in the league. IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders own the Los Angeles franchise, while Mumbai Indians have acquired MLC champions MI New York.
The U.S. men’s team recently clinched victory over Bangladesh in a Twenty20 series, marking their first series win over an ICC Full Member nation. This achievement comes ahead of their debut appearance at the T20 World Cup, which runs from June 1-29.
