Major League Cricket (MLC) has revealed the impressive lineup of players set to participate in the inaugural season, including former Australian captain Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
In an official statement, MLC announced that its first season will showcase some of the finest T20 players from around the world, joining forces with the strongest domestic talent in the United States.
Among the overseas stars confirmed for the tournament are Australia's Aaron Finch and Marcus Stoinis, South Africa's Quinton de Kock, Wayne Parnell, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen, as well as Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
Additionally, Harmeet Singh, a member of the victorious India U-19 squad in the 2012 World Cup, has been selected to play in MLC.
Expressing his excitement, Harmeet said, "I am really excited to be here. And also nervous at the same time. I played in Seattle in the Minor League. Now Major League Cricket. It cannot get better for me," as stated in the MLC press release.
MLC Tournament Director Justin Geale shared his anticipation for the competition and highlighted the Royal(R) Leading Run Scorer award, which will recognize the top batsman of the season.
"We can't wait to see which superstar player captures the Royal(R) Leading Run Scorer award this summer," Geale stated. MLC recently partnered with the Royal(R) brand as an official sponsor for its inaugural season.
Geale added, "MLC is thrilled to welcome the Royal(R) brand onboard as an official partner. Royal(R) has proven to be a strong supporter of American cricket, sharing MLC's long-term vision to build the sport for the vast community of fans of the game here in the United States."
The recipient of the "Royal Leading Run Scorer" award will be announced on July 30 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
Abhinav Arora, President of LT Foods Americas, the global culinary enterprise behind the Royal(R) brand, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "We're excited to partner with Major League Cricket to bring the culture, cuisine, and vibrant flavors of South Asia to cricket fans in the United States."
The highly-anticipated MLC season will kick off on July 13 with the first match scheduled to be held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. A total of 18 matches will follow, culminating in the inaugural MLC championship final on July 30. Six teams, including the Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom, will compete for the title.