(Cricket News) On Thursday, Major League Cricket (MLC) will kick off its inaugural season, starting with an exciting opening match between Texas Super Kings and Los Angeles Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The league comprises six teams, with ownership primarily held by Indian Americans who are venture capitalists in the startup and IT sectors.
Spanning a period of 17 days until July 31, the tournament will showcase a total of 19 matches, taking place at two venues: Dallas and Church Street Park in Morrisville. Initially scheduled for 2021, the event had to be postponed to 2023 due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the major highlights of the league is the presence of globally renowned international cricketers. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, former South African captain Faf Du Plessis, England’s star opener Jason Roy, and New Zealand’s talented fast bowler Trent Boult are among the star-studded lineup set to participate in the MLC. Their inclusion is expected to add an extra level of excitement and competitiveness to the matches.
The MLC regulations stipulate that every team participating in the league must form a squad with a minimum of 16 members and a maximum of 19 members. This allows each franchise to have flexibility in selecting their players and managing their team composition. With a squad size ranging between 16 and 19, the teams can strategize their combinations and balance their resources accordingly.
Franchises are granted the opportunity to include a significant number of foreign players in their squads, with a maximum limit of nine overseas players. This provision allows for the infusion of international talent, adding diversity and experience to the teams. The presence of foreign players brings a high level of skill, expertise, and global exposure to the league, contributing to the overall competitiveness of the matches.
In addition to the inclusion of foreign players, the MLC emphasizes the development of young American cricketers. Therefore, it is mandatory for each franchise to have at least one player under the age of 23 in their squad. This requirement aims to provide opportunities for budding American talent to learn and grow alongside experienced professionals, fostering their development and nurturing the future of cricket in the United States.
During the matches, franchises have the flexibility to field a maximum of six foreign players in their playing XIs. This ensures a balance between international representation and promoting local talent, allowing a fair representation of both overseas players and homegrown cricketers on the field. The presence of a substantial number of foreign players contributes to the overall quality of the games, while still giving ample opportunities for domestic players to showcase their skills and make valuable contributions to their teams.
Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal achieves his first-ever century in Test cricket
