The buzz for MLC 2025 is picking up pace as big franchises start announcing the captains of their teams for the new season of Major League Cricket in America. One of the significant developments is that Nicholas Pooran will be the new captain of MI New York, and Glenn Maxwell will captain the Washington Freedom.
Pooran Replaces Pollard at MI New York
Fresh from his international cricket retirement across all formats, Nicholas Pooran has been appointed the captain of MI New York for MLC 2025 in place of veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard.
Pooran has been an integral part of MI New York since the inaugural MLC season in 2023, where he played a match-winning innings of 137 off 55 balls* in the final against the Seattle Orcas. That performance not only secured the title for MI New York but also made him the highest run-scorer of the season with 388 runs, well ahead of second-placed Quinton de Kock (264 runs).
Pooran’s relationship with the MI franchise began way back in IPL 2017, although he never played a match during that season. Though his IPL career has since involved playing for Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants, his recent stint with MI Emirates in the ILT20 points to his long-time MI connection.
Maxwell to Captain Washington Freedom
Australian star Glenn Maxwell, who has just retired from ODI cricket to concentrate on T20s, has been named captain of Washington Freedom for MLC 2025 in place of Steven Smith.
Maxwell has explosive batting skills and all-rounder’s experience to his credit and is an important player as Washington Freedom try to defend their MLC title, which they claimed in 2024 after beating San Francisco Unicorns in the finals.
Corey Anderson and Heinrich Klaasen to Remain as Captains
Two other franchises have retained the captains of last season:
Corey Anderson, erstwhile New Zealand international now playing for the USA, will remain the captain of San Francisco Unicorns. He is reportedly the sole USA-based player to be captaining a side in MLC 2025.
Heinrich Klaasen, who has been a perennial performer and seasoned leader, will once again captain the Seattle Orcas this season.
Captaincy Announcements Awaited from Two Teams
The other two franchises Los Angeles Knight Riders and the Texas Super Kings, are yet to announce their captains for MLC 2025. During the MLC 2024 season, Sunil Narine captained the Knight Riders, and Faf du Plessis was the captain of the Super Kings.
MLC 2025: Season Dates and Opening Match
The MLC 2025 season begins on June 13, with the opening match between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns in Oakland. The MLC 2025 final is on July 12, concluding what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the league’s development.
Key Highlights for MLC 2025
Nicholas Pooran appointed as captain of MI New York in place of Kieron Pollard
Glenn Maxwell in place of Steven Smith as captain of the Washington Freedom
Corey Anderson and Heinrich Klaasen to stay as captains of Unicorns and Orcas
Knight Riders and the Super Kings to announce their captain later
Season begins on June 13, ends on July 12
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