Advertisement
Major League Cricket (MLC), America’s premier T20 cricket league, is gearing up for its second season with the retention of top-tier international players. Star cricketers such as Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, and Quinton de Kock have been retained by various teams in anticipation of the 2024 season, set to commence on July 4.
MI New York Reloads with Seasoned Internationals:
Defending champions MI New York have secured the return of seven international players from their victorious 2023 campaign. Notable names include Nicholas Pooran, the MVP of the inaugural season, and the explosive West Indian Kieron Pollard. The team also boasts the batting prowess of Tim David and South Africa’s rising star Dewald Brevis. The bowling unit is reinforced by Kiwi speedster Trent Boult and spin maestro Rashid Khan.
Advertisement
Seattle Orcas Banking on Batting Prowess:
Finalists from the 2023 season, the Seattle Orcas, have retained two formidable South African batters, Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen, who were among the top run-scorers in the inaugural MLC season. Captain Wayne Parnell returns to lead the team, while the bowling attack features the crafty left-arm seamer Imad Wasim from Pakistan.
Texas Super Kings Maintain Star Trio:
The Texas Super Kings have retained three key players, led by superstar captain Faf du Plessis. New Zealand’s Devon Conway, the top run-scorer for TSK in 2023, and all-rounder Mitchell Santner are set to continue their contributions. The team has also welcomed back Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, known for his impactful performances with the ball.
Washington Freedom Under New Leadership:
Under new head coach Ricky Ponting, the Washington Freedom is changing. The team has retained West Indies’ Akeal Hosein and South Africa’s Marco Jansen, both left-arm bowlers who made an impact in the previous season.
Los Angeles Knight Riders’ Star-Studded Retentions:
The Los Angeles Knight Riders are retaining five influential players, including West Indies’ Sunil Narine and explosive batsmen Andre Russell and England’s Jason Roy. The bowling attack features Australian internationals Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson.
As the international player retentions set the stage, franchises have until the end of February to finalize the retention of domestic players. The subsequent domestic player draft in March will complete the roster-building process for the upcoming MLC season.
–IANS
