Major League Cricket (MLC) is a New York-based venture dedicated to running the first professional T20 cricket league in the United States as well as developing and promoting the sport in the country. The aim of the tournament is to build a strong side with one eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. MLC, which is exclusively sanctioned by USA Cricket, represents the most ambitious and transformational venture ever undertaken in the American cricket landscape.
Major Cricket League is currently inviting talents from all across the globe to increase the competition among the teams. The tournament will have a total of 6 franchises. With the aim to emulate BCCI’s Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket is a part of USA’s big cricketing plans.
Major League Cricket, a T20 competition was supposed to commence in 2022 but will now begin in 2023 due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation which has almost forced the entire world inside the homes. However, the Minor League Cricket (MLC), a 24-team sister competition, is set to begin and work as a feeder competition to the MLC.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who owns an IPL and CPL franchise, is one of the biggest names to fund the MLC. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen are also reportedly looking to invest in MLC franchises.
Why are Indian cricketers shifting to the USA to play Major League Cricket?
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) doesn’t allow Indian cricketers to participate in foreign leagues, a number of players have taken early retirement from ‘Indian cricket’ to become a part of the new-age revolution in USA’s cricket.
The buzz originally started after former India U-19 cricketer Smit Patel announced early retirement to participate in the Major League Cricket. Former Rajasthan Royals pacer Siddharth Trivedi also jumped the ship and moved to Minor League Cricket with the latest being former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand.
Just In: Former India U19s Winning Captain Unmukt Chand Announces Retirement from all forms of cricket in India. He's all set to pursue a cricket career in the United States of America.
— CricFit (@CricFit) August 13, 2021
Chand, who was touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket failed to realise his potential, announced his retirement at the age of 28-years, to pursue a new challenge in the USA.