The ICC has granted official List A status to Major League Cricket matches played in the United States, in just its second season, in a move aimed at promoting the game in one of the sport's biggest markets. The International Cricket Council's decision comes less than a week before the MLC kicks off its second season and the Americas host cricket's premier event, the T20 World Cup.
The ICC's move will make the MLC an official T20 league and the first world-class domestic tournament in the country. “From now on, all centuries, half-centuries, five-consecutive wins, run-outs, wins, losses and championships will be recorded as official career statistics in the internationally recognised format of the game,” the MLC said in a statement.
Official MLC status means it will provide local U.S. players and future stars with an opportunity to gain international recognition and help develop domestic talent.
“List A status has been earned following a successful inaugural season of the MLC and underlines the team's unwavering commitment to delivering the best cricket in the country,” the statement added.
MLC CEO Vijay Srinivasan recently announced that the tournament will expand from 19 matches in 2023 to 34 matches by 2025.
“Last year we had the inaugural season of Major League Cricket which spread cricket fever across the US and now we are building on the exciting momentum ahead of the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup and MLC Season 2,” Srinivasan said.
“With an unforgettable summer of cricket just around the corner, we are ready to capture the hearts of sports fans in the US with thrilling, adrenaline-fueled matches in what will be the most exciting T20 tournament in the world,” he added.
The MLC is sanctioned by the United States Cricket Association, and last year many players from around the world, including New Zealand and Australia, took part.
Six teams participated in the inaugural tournament: Los Angeles Knight Riders, Michigan New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom.
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