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[Saba Sports News] After a highly successful inaugural season in 2023, Major League Cricket (MLC) organizers are aiming to make the second season even bigger and better. The league received a significant boost as the International Cricket Council (ICC) granted it List A status.
MLC becomes the second Associate-nation franchise tournament to gain List A status from ICC, following the UAE’s ILT20. This status means the USA-based franchise tournament will now be recognized as an official T20 league, with playing records counted as official statistics.
“We are really excited for the news as it’s a recognition of the standard and high quality of players taking part in the tournament,” tournament director Justin Geale told ESPNcricinfo. “By awarding MLC List A status, it acknowledges the strength and growing stature of the tournament and enhances the credibility of the sport in the USA. It ensures the performances of some of the world’s best players are adequately reflected in their career statistics.”
Geale added, “We’re thankful to the ICC for recognizing that cricket in the USA doesn’t always fit into a template. We’re an Associate nation with a unique opportunity. We hope that following the World Cup and a successful season, we can continue to build a platform for the sport to grow in the USA.”
The second season of MLC will start on July 5, shortly after the T20 World Cup concludes on June 29. The T20 World Cup begins in Dallas, USA on June 1, marking a crucial season for attracting the US audience.
The Guardian reported that MLC plans to expand from six teams to 10 in the coming years, increasing from 19 games in 2023 to 34 by 2025. Meanwhile, 25 games are scheduled for the 2024 season.