ICC grants List-A status to MLC: Number of teams to increase from 6 to 10, second season to be played from July 5

Major League Cricket (MLC) Granted List-A Status by ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted List-A status to Major League Cricket (MLC) in America, marking a significant milestone for the league and cricket in the United States. This recognition makes MLC the second T20 league in an associate nation to receive such status, elevating its prestige and the official standing of its statistics and records. As an associate member, the United States has not yet been granted Test status by the ICC, making this achievement particularly noteworthy.

Expansion and Growth of MLC

Following the successful completion of its inaugural season, MLC is set to expand. The first season was played across two venues: Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and Church Street Park Stadium in Morrisville. Looking ahead, the league plans to increase the number of participating teams from six to ten over the next few years. The tournament director, Justin Gilley, expressed excitement about the new status, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on players and the league’s overall development.

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The first season featured 19 matches, including 15 group-stage games and four playoff matches. The second season, scheduled to begin on July 5, 2024, will see an increase in the number of matches to 25, with plans to eventually expand to 34 matches in future seasons.

MI New York: Champions of the Inaugural Season

MI New York emerged as the champions of MLC’s first season, which took place from July 13 to July 31, 2023. Under the leadership of captain Nicholas Pooran, MI New York clinched the title in a thrilling final against the Orcas. The Orcas batted first, posting a total of 183 for 9 in 20 overs at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. In response, MI New York chased down the target in just 16 overs, thanks to an explosive innings from Pooran, securing their victory and etching their name in the history books as the inaugural champions of Major League Cricket.

The elevation of MLC to List-A status by the ICC is a monumental step forward for cricket in the United States. It signifies the growing popularity and development of the sport in the region, promising an exciting future for American cricket and its burgeoning fan base.