Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 is all set to bring cricket fever back to the United States with its third edition. With the draft scheduled for February 19, franchises have already locked in some of the biggest names in international cricket through their player retentions. As the excitement builds, let’s take a look at the six teams participating this season, their captains, and the standout stars to keep an eye on.
1. Washington Freedom (Defending Champions)
Captain: Steve Smith
Key Retained Players: Glenn Maxwell, Jack Edwards, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra
Washington Freedom enters MLC 2025 as defending champions and the team to beat. They’ve retained a powerful core including seasoned campaigners like Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, along with dynamic bowlers like Ferguson and Jansen. Their solid retention strategy, including 15 players overall, ensures continuity and depth.
2. San Francisco Unicorns (2024 Runners-Up)
Likely Captain: Finn Allen / Matthew Short
Key Retained Players: Haris Rauf, Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short
With explosive batters like Allen and Fraser-McGurk, and a fiery pace attack led by Haris Rauf, the Unicorns are ready to roar again. Their aggressive style of play could make them one of the most entertaining teams this season.
3. Texas Super Kings (TSK)
Captain: Faf du Plessis
Key Retained Players: Devon Conway, Marcus Stoinis, Noor Ahmad
TSK retained a strong core, blending experience and youth. Conway and du Plessis form a dependable top order, while Marcus Stoinis offers crucial all-round support. Noor Ahmad adds spin variety, making this side well-rounded.
4. MI New York
Captain: Kieron Pollard
Key Retained Players: Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult
The inaugural champions continue with a star-studded squad. Pollard leads a group stacked with match-winners, including the explosive Pooran and game-changing Rashid Khan. Trent Boult offers lethal swing at the top, making them a serious contender once again.
5. Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR)
Captain: Sunil Narine (Expected)
Key Retained Players: Andre Russell, Spencer Johnson
LAKR is banking on West Indian firepower with Narine and Russell, while Aussie pacer Spencer Johnson adds edge to the bowling. Though they retained fewer players, their explosive match-winners make them dangerous.
6. Seattle Orcas
Captain: Heinrich Klaasen (Expected)
Key Retained Players: Ryan Rickelton
Seattle Orcas retained only seven players, including two overseas. Klaasen and Rickelton, both hard-hitting South Africans, will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility this season. They’ll be looking to strengthen their squad further during the draft.
International Retention Highlights
- Australia: 7 players retained including Maxwell, Stoinis, Smith, Johnson
- South Africa: 4 players including du Plessis, Klaasen, Marco Jansen
- West Indies: 4 players including Pollard, Pooran, Russell
- New Zealand: 4 players including Boult, Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson
- Afghanistan: 2 players (Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad)
- Pakistan: 1 player (Haris Rauf)
As the teams head into the draft, MLC 2025 promises to be bigger and better. With international stars, strategic retentions, and passionate fanbases, the stage is set for another thrilling season of cricket in the USA.