Australia’s cricket superstar, Steve Smith, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. Known for his exceptional batting skills and experience as a former captain of the Australian team, Smith has expressed his interest in playing in the U.S. for some time. Despite not being a strong T20 player, Smith’s star power adds gravitas to the growing MLC, which has seen a significant investment of over $100 million with support from influential Indian businessmen linked to Silicon Valley.
Smith’s decision to join the Washington Freedom team in MLC is a major boost for the tournament, aiming to attract top players from around the world. He will reunite with his former World Cup-winning teammates Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, under the guidance of legendary Australian batter Ricky Ponting, who coaches the Freedom side. Despite his potential absence from Australia’s squad at the upcoming World Cup in fear of not making the cut, Smith remains a high-profile cricketer, bringing his fan following and experience to the American cricket league.
The partnership between MLC and Australian cricket is growing stronger, with ties between Cricket New South Wales and the Washington Freedom franchise, along with Cricket Victoria’s connection to the San Francisco Unicorns. The league has strategically aligned with two cricket powerhouses, Australia and India, with a focus on expanding their reach into the lucrative U.S. sports market. While England remains cautious due to the clash with their cricket season, Australia and India have embraced the vision of a successful T20 league, opening the door for Australian players to participate in MLC.
Indian influence in MLC is evident with three teams owned by Indian Premier League franchises, including the Texas Super Kings, Los Angeles Knight Riders, and MI New York. However, the league restrictions prevent Indian megastars from playing in any T20 franchise league outside of the IPL, highlighting the unique opportunities for Australian players like Smith to showcase their talents internationally. With July lining up as an open schedule for Australian cricketers, many have seized the chance to join the American cricket league, with Smith’s dream of playing in the U.S. finally becoming a reality.
Steve Smith’s connection to the U.S. extends beyond his cricket career, having spent time in New York during his suspension from the Australian team for cheating. Smith’s admiration for American culture and lifestyle has only heightened his excitement to be part of MLC’s upcoming season, adding another dimension to his professional journey as a top cricketer. As MLC gains momentum as a competitive T20 league with a global appeal, the inclusion of renowned players like Smith elevates the league’s profile and sets the stage for an exciting future in the world of cricket.
