Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 is set to commence on June 18, with six powerhouse franchises competing for supremacy in what is poised to be the most ambitious edition of America’s premier T20 competition to date.
Now entering its fourth season, MLC continues its rapid ascent as one of the fastest-growing franchise leagues globally. The tournament will run through July 18, featuring 34 high-octane matches across three venues, blending world-class international superstars with the most promising emerging American talent.
Defending champions MI New York return with a drive to expand their trophy collection, while Washington Freedom, Texas Super Kings, and the San Francisco Unicorns boast rosters fully capable of seizing the crown.
With the historic addition of former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the presence of global icons like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, Faf du Plessis, and Haris Rauf, the 2026 season is expected to be the league’s most high-profile iteration yet.
The Six MLC Franchises
| Franchise | City | Owner(s) | Captain (2026) | Head Coach | Best Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI New York | New York | Indiawin Sports (Reliance) | Nicholas Pooran | Mark Boucher | Champions (2023, 2025) |
| Washington Freedom | Washington, D.C. | Sanjay Govil | Glenn Maxwell | Ricky Ponting | Champions (2024) |
| San Francisco Unicorns | Bay Area | Rajaraman & Harinarayan | Matt Short | Cam White | Runners-up (2024) |
| Texas Super Kings | Dallas | CSK, Perot Jr., A. Jain | Faf du Plessis | Stephen Fleming | Playoffs |
| Seattle Orcas | Seattle | GMR, JSW, S. Nadella | Sikandar Raza | Adam Voges | Topped league stage (2023) |
| LA Knight Riders | Los Angeles | Knight Riders Group (SRK) | Jason Holder | Dwayne Bravo | Group Stage |
MI New York
As the most successful franchise in the league’s history, the defending champions are backed by the Mumbai Indians ownership group. Led by Nicholas Pooran, they enter the tournament as favorites, boasting a devastating batting lineup and elite match-winners including Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, and Quinton de Kock.
Texas Super Kings
The sister franchise of the Chennai Super Kings remains under the stewardship of captain Faf du Plessis and legendary coach Stephen Fleming. Despite consistent deep runs in previous seasons, Texas is still chasing its first title and will rely on the expertise of Akeal Hosein, Adam Milne, and Donovan Ferreira to cross the final hurdle.
San Francisco Unicorns
The Unicorns arrive in 2026 with the tournament’s most significant signing: Ravichandran Ashwin, who becomes the first Indian-capped men’s cricketer to play in MLC. Complementing Ashwin’s guile is a heavy-hitting core featuring Matthew Short, Finn Allen, Haris Rauf, Aaron Hardie, and Xavier Bartlett.
Washington Freedom
Following a 2024 championship and a 2025 runners-up finish, Washington Freedom remain genuine contenders. With Steve Smith expected to lead, the side is bolstered by the international quality of Glenn Maxwell, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, and Marco Jansen, maintaining one of the most settled cores in the league.
Seattle Orcas
The inaugural season’s runners-up have undergone a strategic overhaul over the last year. Now led by Sikandar Raza, the Orcas feature a dangerous array of talent in Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Tim Seifert, and Jason Behrendorff as they push for a return to the playoffs.
Los Angeles Knight Riders
Backed by the Knight Riders Group, LAKR are seeking the consistency that has eluded them in previous campaigns. Under the leadership of captain Jason Holder and head coach Dwayne Bravo, the team will also benefit from playing home matches at the new Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona, California.
Squad Structure and Regulations
Major League Cricket employs a unique model designed to integrate international stardom with the development of domestic American talent.
The current squad regulations are as follows:
- Squad sizes range between 15 and 18 players.
- A maximum of nine overseas players per squad.
- A minimum of six USA-qualified players in every playing XI.
- Domestic players are acquired via the MLC Draft.
- Overseas players are signed directly by the franchises.
International Stars to Watch
Ravichandran Ashwin (San Francisco Unicorns): The marquee storyline of the season; his arrival elevates the tournament’s global prestige and brings world-class spin to the Bay Area.
Steve Smith (Washington Freedom): One of the most technically sound batters in the world, Smith is the cornerstone of Washington’s title ambitions.
Glenn Maxwell (Washington Freedom): A dynamic all-rounder capable of shifting the momentum of any match with both bat and ball.
Nicholas Pooran (MI New York): Currently one of the most destructive T20 hitters globally and a pivotal leader for the defending champions.
Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings): A paragon of consistency in franchise cricket, continuing to perform at the highest level.
Haris Rauf (San Francisco Unicorns): The Pakistani pace spearhead provides raw speed and will form a lethal partnership with Ashwin.
Rising American Talent
While the global stars draw the crowds, the league’s sustainability rests on its local stars:
Andries Gous: A wicketkeeper-batter who has emerged as one of the USA’s most reliable run-scorers.
Harmeet Singh: A former India U-19 player who has successfully transitioned into a vital all-rounder for the national side.
Ali Khan: A pioneer of the professional game in the US and still one of the most potent fast bowlers in the country.
Shayan Jahangir: An aggressive top-order batter known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks during the Powerplay.
Schedule and Tournament Format
The action kicks off on June 18 with a clash between the Texas Super Kings and the Seattle Orcas at Grand Prairie Stadium.
The 34-match schedule will be split across three primary venues:
- Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
- Oakland Coliseum, California
- Knight Riders Cricket Field, Pomona
The format consists of a double round-robin where every team plays each other twice. The top four teams will then advance to the playoffs, culminating in the final at the Oakland Coliseum on July 18.