Major League Cricket receives List A status in major boost to tournament

The second edition of the tournament is set to begin on July 5, a week after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup

Major League Cricket has received a major boost as the second associate-nation-run T20 tournament to be granted List A status by the ICC.

MLC follows ILT20, based in the UAE, which was also recognised ahead of its second season, on account of the calibre of players involved.

The second edition of the tournament is set to begin on July 5, a week after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.

"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," MLC competition director Justin Geale told ESPNcricinfo.

Related: With the help of Usain Bolt, New York is ready for T20 World Cup lift-off

"By awarding MLC List A status for the upcoming season, it assists to acknowledge the strength and growing stature of the tournament and ultimately will help to enhance the credibility of the sport in the USA on a global scale.

"The most important part for me though is it ensures the performances of some of the world's best players alongside their peers are adequately reflected in their career statistics."

^{MLC is preparing for its second year (Image: MLC)}

He added: "Really thankful to the ICC for taking the time to look at it as cricket in the USA doesn't always fit into a template.

"We are an Associate nation and proud of that, one with a unique opportunity in front of us. It's our hope that on the back of the upcoming World Cup and a successful season we can continue to build a platform for the sport to grow and ultimately succeed in the USA."

The first edition of the tournament, won by MI New York, featured 19 games played by six franchises, but that has already expanded to 25 matches for 2024, with further expansion plans down the line.

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member

Related Topics

• With the help of Usain Bolt, New York is ready for T20 World Cup lift-off