Major League Cricket Secures List A Status, Expands to 10 Teams

Major League Cricket (MLC), the burgeoning T20 tournament in the United States, has achieved a significant milestone by securing List A status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This recognition elevates MLC to the ranks of official T20 leagues, ensuring that tournament records will now be counted as official statistics.

The acquisition of List A status is a testament to the growing stature and quality of MLC. Tournament director Justin Geale expressed his excitement, stating that it acknowledges the high caliber of players participating in the league. This recognition will enhance the credibility of cricket in the USA on a global scale and ensure that the performances of world-class players are accurately reflected in their career statistics.

MLC's expansion plans are also underway, with the league aiming to increase its number of teams from six to ten over the next two years. The number of games will also increase from 19 in 2023 to 34 by 2025. The league's chief executive, Vijay Srinivasan, believes that the United States has the potential to support a 10-team league.

The 2024 edition of MLC will commence on July 5, a week after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. The league's schedule will avoid a direct clash with the Hundred, but there will be a six-day overlap between the two leagues. This overlap could potentially impact the availability of overseas players in the Hundred.

Four of the six teams in MLC are owned by IPL team owners, including Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals. The first season of MLC was a success, with MI New York emerging as champions under the leadership of Nicholas Pooran. The second season will be played at the same two grounds as the first season, the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and the Church Street Park Stadium in Morrisville.

Tags: #MajorLeagueCricket, #ListAStatus, #CricketUSA, #T20League, #ExpansionPlans