The MLC (Major League Cricket) has revealed the list of 23 players who will be retained for the upcoming second edition of the highly anticipated cricket league. Scheduled to commence on July 4, just after the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup, MLC strategically positioned the tournament between the World Cup and The Hundred, avoiding potential player availability clashes with teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, and Pakistan.
MI New York, the defending champions, have managed to retain their core players who led them to victory in 2023. Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Dewald Brewis, and Tim David will reunite to drive the team’s power game once again. Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, and Rashid Khan will continue to lead the strong bowling attack for MINY.
Runners-up Seattle Orcas have retained the South African trio of Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, and captain Wayne Parnell. They also secured the services of Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim.
Texas Super Kings will be led by Faf du Plessis alongside Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner.
LA Knight Riders will see Andre Russell and captain Sunil Narine in action, along with Jason Roy and Australian players Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa.
San Francisco Unicorns and Ricky Ponting’s Washington Freedom have seen significant changes in their retained players. Unicorns retained Finn Allen and may face concerns over Haris Rauf’s availability. Washington Freedom secured Akeal Hosein and Marco Jansen.
Franchises will be allowed to name 9 international players in their rosters, with discussions expected to directly involve desired players for further international signings. Domestic retentions are set to be confirmed by the end of February before the domestic draft in March.
