Major League Cricket (MLC): History, Winners, Teams and Format

Abhirah Goel

Major League Cricket (MLC) is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league in the United States. Launched in 2023, the competition aims to expand cricket's popularity in North America by bringing international stars and emerging American players together. With franchise-based teams, exciting matches, and growing fan interest, MLC has become an important part of the global T20 cricket landscape.

From its history and winners to participating franchises and tournament structure, here is everything you need to know about Major League Cricket.

Major League Cricket was developed by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) to establish a professional T20 competition in the United States. The league officially launched in July 2023, marking a significant milestone for American cricket.

The inaugural season featured six franchises and attracted several international players, including Nicholas Pooran, Aaron Finch, and Andre Russell. MI New York won the first championship after defeating Seattle Orcas in the final.

The competition continued to grow in subsequent seasons, attracting experienced international cricketers and providing opportunities for domestic talent. The league's development has also benefited from increased investment in cricket infrastructure and growing interest in the sport ahead of the United States co-hosting the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup.

MLC has produced three different champions across its first four seasons. MI New York won the inaugural edition and claimed another title in 2025, while Washington Freedom lifted the trophy in 2024.

Here is the complete Major League Cricket winners list:

The Los Angeles Knight Riders won their maiden championship in 2026, defeating Washington Freedom by one run in a thrilling final. This result added another exciting chapter to the league's short but competitive history.

Major League Cricket currently features six franchises representing different American markets. Each team combines international professionals with players developing their careers in the United States.

These teams compete for the championship while helping build regional support for cricket across the country.

Major League Cricket follows the T20 format, with each team batting for a maximum of 20 overs in a standard innings.

The 2026 edition featured six teams playing a double round-robin league stage. Each franchise faced the other five teams twice, resulting in 30 league matches. Teams earned points based on their results, with net run rate serving as an important tiebreaker.

The top four teams advanced to the playoffs. The top two competed in Qualifier 1, while the third- and fourth-placed teams faced each other in the Eliminator. The Eliminator winner then met the losing team from Qualifier 1 in the Challenger. The winners of Qualifier 1 and the Challenger advanced to the final.

This system rewards consistent league-stage performances while giving teams another route to the championship.

has made an important contribution to the growth of professional cricket in the United States. Since its launch in 2023, the tournament has attracted international stars, developed local talent, and produced several memorable finals.

With MI New York winning two titles, Washington Freedom claiming the 2024 championship, and Los Angeles Knight Riders becoming the 2026 champions, MLC continues to establish its identity in global T20 cricket. Its future will depend on sustained investment, stronger local participation, and continued fan engagement.

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