The scheduling conflict between the Men’s Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC) has raised concerns among overseas players, potentially affecting their availability and participation in both leagues.

Overlapping Dates

MLC’s final overlaps with the knockout stage of the Hundred, leading to a schedule clash. With both leagues running simultaneously, overseas players face challenges honouring their commitments to their respective teams. The scheduling clash poses a dilemma for overseas players, who may be required to prioritize one league over the other due to logistical constraints and contractual obligations.

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Player Recruitment: A Balancing Ac

Twelve of the 24 overseas players contracted for the Men’s Hundred have already committed to MLC, with more potential signings expected before the tournaments commence. This dual commitment complicates team selections and strategies for both leagues.

While most overseas players may choose to honour their contracts with MLC until their respective franchises are eliminated, some may prioritize the Hundred, depending on team requirements and individual preferences.

Star Attractions: Impact on Star Power

The clash between the Hundred and MLC could result in the absence of key overseas players during the opening fixtures of the Hundred. Teams like Southern Brave may need more than multiple star players, affecting their performance and balance.

Financial Considerations: Player Wages and Incentives

MLC offered higher player wages compared to the Men’s Hundred last year, potentially influencing players’ decisions regarding league priorities. The financial aspect plays a crucial role in determining player commitments and loyalties.

While MLC boasted top salaries of around US$175,000 for a minimum of five games, the Men’s Hundred offered lower wages, with the top salary capped at £125,000 for a minimum of eight games. This wage gap may influence players’ choices regarding league preferences.

MLC 2024 FULL SCHEDULE

PLAYOFFS

Eliminator: Date & Time: 07/24/2024, 07:30 PM CDT
Teams: Seed 3 vs. Seed 4
Location: Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, TX

Qualifier: Date & Time: 07/25/2024, 07:30 PM CDT
Teams: Seed 1 vs. Seed 2
Location: Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, TX

Challenger: Date & Time: 07/26/2024, 07:30 PM CDT
Teams: Loser of Qualifier vs. Winner of Eliminator
Location: Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, TX

The anticipation builds as the second edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) commences on July 4, 2024. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the United States cricket landscape. Through MLC, the US Cricket Board aims to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights in a region traditionally dominated by basketball, baseball, and football.

With the domestic player draft concluded on March 21 and the strategic addition of overseas players ongoing, this league is poised to deliver thrilling cricketing action and showcase the sport’s rich potential in the U.S.

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Background of Major League Cricket

MLC was launched with the vision of popularizing cricket in the United States. Major League Cricket aims to tap into the vast potential of one of the world’s largest sports markets. The inaugural edition laid a solid foundation, attracting attention from cricket fans globally and setting the stage for an even more ambitious second edition.

The Domestic Player Draft

The draft on March 21 was a crucial step in shaping the teams for the upcoming tournament. Local talents were given the spotlight, emphasizing the league’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent alongside the star power of international cricketers.

The full player list for MLC 2024 is below, to be updated as players are signed.

Los Angeles Knight Riders

Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Roy, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Ali Khan, Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, Corne Dry, Saif Badar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Derone Davis, Adithya Ganesh, Matthew Tromp

MI New York

Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Tim David, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Nicholas Pooran, Steven Taylor, Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Ruben Clinton, Shayan Jahangir, Heath Richards, Romario Shepherd, Rushil Ugarkar

San Francisco Unicorns

Corey Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Tajinder Singh, Carmi Le Roux, Brody Couch, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Finn Allan, Haris Rauf, Karima Gore, Matthew Short, Jahmar Hamilton, Hassan Khan,

Seattle Orcas

Quinton de Kock, Wayne Parnell, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Cameron Gannon, Nauman Anwar, Heinrich Klaasen, Imad Wasim, Hammad Azam, Michael Bracewell, Ayan Desai, Shehan Jayasuriya, Ali Sheikh

Texas Super Kings

Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Calvin Savage, Milind Kumar, Cameron Stevenson, Mohammad Mohsin, Faf du Plessis, Daryl Mitchell, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Raj Nannan, Zia Shahzad, Joshua Tromp, Zia ul-Haq

Washington Freedom

Marco Jansen, Andries Gous, Mukhtar Ahmed, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Netravalkar, Justin Dill, Akhilesh Bodugum, Akeal Hosin, Amila Aphonso, Ian Holland, Lahiru Milantha, Yasir Mohammad, Steve Smith

*updated April 11, 2024 – subject to change

Seattle Orcas go top and look very promising as they take on LA Knight Riders who are still in search of their first win.

LAKR vs SEO Match Details

Date: July 23rd, 2023

Time:  11:00 PM IST

Venue: Morrisville

LAKR vs SEO Weather Report

It will be cloudy and humid throughout this fixture.

LAKR vs SEO Pitch Report

The nature of the new ground is uncertain but given the nature of the format, a flat pitch offering a lot of runs could be expected making it better for the side batting second.

LAKR vs SEO Predicted Playing XII

SEO Playing XI

Aaron James, Quinton De Kock, Shimron Hetmyer, Dasun Shanaka, Henrich Klaasen, Angelo Perera, Dwaine Pretorius, Hayden Walsh, Imad Wasim, Wayne Parnell, Andrew Tye

LAKR Playing XI

Unmukt Chand, Martin Guptill, Jason Roy, Rilee Roussow, Gajanand Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Spencer Johnson, Lockie Ferguson, Corne Dry, Adam Zampa

LAKR vs SEO Key Players

Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer missed out on the World Cup Qualifiers and would be regretting what went on there with the West Indies side. He is still a big part of franchise cricket though and will be hoping to shake off what has happened with his national team here.

Unmukt Chand

Unmukt Chand, India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain had a hard initiation to the IPL back in 2012. Facing the Knight Riders, He was done by a fierce delivery that cracked the stump, from Brett Lee, shattering the batter’s confidence. Now, he gears up to play for the same Knight Riders team in a different country and will hope to show that he is a changed player from what he was back then.

LAKR vs SEO Match Tips

With more international and in-form talent, SEO looks a lot more consistent and could be a favorite here.

Match Prediction: Seattle Orcas Will Win the Match

A battle for the top of the table goes underway with both sides on four points needing a win to allow them to top the table.

SFU vs WSH Match Details

Date: July 23rd, 2023

Time:  3:00 AM IST

Venue: Morrisville

SFU vs WSH Weather Report

It will be cloudy and humid throughout this fixture.

SFU vs WSH Pitch Report

The nature of the new ground is uncertain but given the nature of the format, a flat pitch offering a lot of runs could be expected making it better for the side batting second.

SFU vs WSH Predicted Playing XII

WSH Playing XI

Josh Phillipe, Mukthar Ahmed, Moises Henriques, Akilesh Reddy, Glenn Phillips, Akeal Hossein, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne, Dane Piedt, Sujith Gowda

SFU Playing XI

Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade, Finn Allen, Smit Patel, Corey Anderson, Marcus Stoinis, Shadab Khan, Liam Plunkett, Haris Rauf, David White, Lungi Ngidi

SF vs WSH Key Players

Corey Anderson

Before his back injury, Corey Anderson was hot potential in international cricket. His explosive batting and ability to chip in with some key overs made him a valuable player. His injury though turned his career around quickly leaving him to go off the radar. Now though, Anderson has the opportunity to get back in the spotlight with a big tournament ahead..

Josh Phillipe

Josh Phillipe has been one of the most consistent wicket-keeper batters for Australia in the BBL. He loves franchise cricket as well and with Matthew Wade close to retirement, Phillipe will be eager to show that he deserves the spot on the T20 side.

SF vs WSH Match Tips

SF and WSH are both in pretty good positions, however on recent form with WSH coming in off two consecutive wins they could be slight favorites.

Match Prediction: Washington Freedom Will Win the Match

The Texas Super Kings are proving to be an interesting side to watch this season with some good performances coming from them. Seattle Orcas though have been equally good an the clash between the table toppers promises to be interesting.

SEO vs TSK Match Details

Date: July 22nd, 2023

Time:  3:00 AM IST

Venue: Morrisville

SEO vs TSK Weather Report

It will be cloudy and humid throughout this fixture.

SEO vs TSK Pitch Report

The nature of the new ground is uncertain but given the nature of the format, a flat pitch offering a lot of runs could be expected making it better for the side batting second.

SEO vs TSK Predicted Playing XII

SEO Playing XI

Aaron James, Quinton De Kock, Shimron Hetmyer, Dasun Shanaka, Henrich Klaasen, Angelo Perera, Dwaine Pretorius, Hayden Walsh, Imad Wasim, Wayne Parnell, Andrew Tye

TSK Playing XI

Faf Du Plessis, Devon Conway, Cody Chetty, Sami Aslam, David Miller, Mitchell Santner, Lahiru Milantha, Milind Kumar, Dwayne Bravo, Daniel Sams, Gerald Coetzee

SEO vs TSK Key Players

Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer missed out on the World Cup Qualifiers and would be regretting what went on there with the West Indies side. He is still a big part of franchise cricket though and will be hoping to shake off what has happened with his national team here.

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo is back as a player in yellow after spending the last few months coaching the Chennai Super Kings bowlers. At 39 it will be interesting to see what new tricks he has up his sleeve with a lot of experience behind him.

SEO vs TSK Match Tips

With more international and in-form talent, TSK looks a lot more consistent and could be a favorite here.

Match Prediction: Texas Super Kings Will Win the Match