MLC plans to expand to eight teams by 2027. Exploring moving to Canada

Major League Cricket (MLC), the premier T20 competition in the United States, is reportedly planning to expand from six teams to eight by 2027. According to recent news reports, Major League Cricket is exploring the possibility of relocating to Canadian cities such as Chicago. , Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto.

Major League Cricket is officially sanctioned by USA Cricket. The T20 League brings top quality T20 cricket to the US and features top international players. The MLC consists of six teams: Los Angeles Cavaliers, New York MI, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Liberty.

We have options in front of us – MLC co-founder Satyan Gajavani

MLC founder Satyan Gajavani heads one franchise, while co-founders Vijay Srinivasan and Sameer Mehta head the other. Gajavani said that although there are options, no firm decisions have been made yet and the final selection will be made closer to the start.

“We have options in front of us. I don’t think we’re committed one way or the other right now,” Gajavani told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s really a decision we’re going to make to begin with.”

Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto are shortlisted for MLC expansion.

Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto, which have large South Asian communities, are being considered for Major League Cricket expansion. The final decision on which cities will be included is expected at the end of this year.

Key reasons for expansion include market potential and support from local governments to develop stadium infrastructure. Recently MLC officials visited Chicago and were reportedly impressed with the local support. Visits to other cities are planned in the coming months.

In Major League Cricket, three of the six teams are owned by IPL franchise owners: Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. The Seattle franchise has ties to Delhi Capitals.

The San Francisco and Washington teams, which are not affiliated with any IPL franchise, are affiliated with Cricket Victoria and Cricket NSW respectively. As the league expands, MLC is expected to introduce more games and extend the season with home and away seasons.

America has many people who love cricket – Satyan Gajavani

Satyan Gajavani expressed the importance of promoting the game of cricket in America and mentioned that there are many cities with cricket loving population. He acknowledged that the US sports market is highly competitive, with the NBA and NFL present in 28 cities.

“There are a lot of cities in America that have a lot of people who love cricket. But the goal is to grow the game and that means expanding beyond that fan base,” Gajavani said. “America is the biggest sports market in the world. It’s also very competitive, and it’s challenging to stay relevant.”

“But I think the sports economy in America is very strong. The NBA and the NFL are in 28 cities. We’re in six now. We still have a lot of major areas for growth in the medium and long term.”

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