Washington Freedom Eyes MLC Glory with Steve Smith at the Helm

Washington Freedom, owned by Sanjay Govil, is gearing up for the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) with renewed optimism. Led by captain Steve Smith and coach Ricky Ponting, the team boasts a formidable roster featuring international stars like Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, and Saurabh Netravalkar.

Govil expressed confidence in the team's ability to succeed, citing their competitive lineup and the growing popularity of cricket in the US. He highlighted the recent CBS news report indicating that over 35 million Americans watch cricket, making it the fifth largest cricket media market for the ICC.

The success of the T20 World Cup in the US, particularly the India-Pakistan match in New York, has significantly increased awareness and generated excitement for the sport. Govil believes that the US has a huge appetite for sports and that cricket is well-positioned to gain a significant following.

He emphasized the importance of passion in driving the growth of cricket in the US, noting that every owner in the MLC is willing to invest in the sport. He also highlighted the interest from advertisers, with Verizon being a major sponsor for Washington Freedom.

Govil expressed gratitude for the ICC's decision to grant MLC List-A status, which provides additional motivation for players to perform at their best. He also praised Saurabh Netravalkar, a rising star in US cricket who has impressed with his bowling skills and humble demeanor.

With cricket set to be part of the Olympics in LA 2028, Govil anticipates a surge in investment and infrastructure development for the sport in the US. He believes that the US has the potential to excel in cricket and that the Olympics will provide a major impetus for its growth.

Tags: #MajorLeagueCricket, #WashingtonFreedom, #SteveSmith, #RickyPonting, #SaurabhNetravalkar