As Major League Cricket (MLC) gears up for another season, it is worth revisiting the campaign that delivered dramatic finishes, standout performances, and another glimpse into the rapid growth of cricket in the United States. From championship glory to breakout stars and record-breaking feats, here is a look back at everything that defined MLC 2025.
How the MLC 2025 Season Unfolded
The Major League Cricket follows the T20 format, much like other franchise leagues such as the IPL and Big Bash. Over the years, the tournament has seen two champions, with MI New York securing two titles in 2023 and 2025, defeating Seattle Orcas and Washington Freedom, respectively. Meanwhile, Texas Super Kings beat San Francisco Unicorns in 2024 to claim the title. In 2025, MI New York finished fourth alongside Texas Super Kings in second spot, with Washington Freedom leading the table and San Francisco Unicorns finishing in third place. MI New York's Monank Patel ended his campaign with the most runs, tallying 478 in the tournament, while San Francisco's Xavier Bartlett was the top wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 11 innings. Los Angeles Knight Riders concluded last in the points tally with just 4 points in the standings, conceding 8 losses in 10 fixtures and losing their hopes for the playoffs.
How the Champions Lifted the Trophy
MI New York climbed their way to the playoffs with 6 points on the table. In their first playoff encounter against San Francisco Unicorns, they managed a crucial must-win victory, edging towards the final. The fixture was followed by the tournament's last knockout game against the 2024 defending champions, Texas Super Kings. MI overcame the challenge posed by Texas Super Kings to book their place in the summit clash. In the final clash, MI New York took the field against Washington Freedom, posting a strong 180/7 in the first innings. With Trent Boult and Rushil Ugarkar's fierce bowling performance, Quinton de Kock's side managed to reduce Washington to 175, claiming the trophy.
The Stars of MLC 2025
Leading Run-Scorers
- MD Patel (MI New York) – 478 runs
- F du Plessis (Texas Super Kings) – 468 runs
- Q de Kock (MI New York) – 373 runs
- MW Short (San Francisco Unicorns) – 360 runs
- N Pooran (MI New York) – 360 runs
Leading Wicket-Takers
- XC Bartlett (San Francisco Unicorns) – 18 wickets
- Haris Rauf (San Francisco Unicorns) – 17 wickets
- TA Boult (MI New York) – 15 wickets
- Noor Ahmad (Texas Super Kings) – 15 wickets
- AF Milne (Texas Super Kings) – 14 wickets
Player of the Tournament
Mitchell Owen claimed the title of Player of the Tournament in the 2025 season. The Washington all-rounder displayed spectacular cricket, posting over 300 runs at a strike rate above 190 and registering 14 wickets to his name. The 24-year-old put up quite a show with his all-round ability.
Records and Milestones from the Season
- Highest Total: San Francisco Unicorns – 269/5 vs Washington Freedom
- Most Sixes: Finn Allen – 35 sixes
- Fastest Hundred: Finn Allen – 100 in 34 balls vs Washington Freedom
- Highest Individual Score: Finn Allen – 151 vs Washington Freedom
- Best Bowling Figures: MJ Owen – 5 wickets for 17 runs in 3 overs (Economy: 5.66)
Team-by-Team Report Card
Washington Freedom
Washington won 8 out of 10 games while conceding only 2 losses, finishing at the top of the MLC 2025 points table with 16 points.
Texas Super Kings
Texas concluded their MLC 2025 campaign with 7 wins and 3 losses in 10 games, finishing second in the points table with 14 points.
San Francisco Unicorns
San Francisco also concluded their MLC 2025 campaign with 7 wins and 3 losses in 10 games, finishing third in the points table with 14 points.
MI New York
New York claimed the MLC 2025 title despite a mediocre performance in the league stage. They won 3 out of 10 games while conceding 7 losses, finishing in fourth spot with 6 points.
Seattle Orcas
Seattle won just 3 out of 10 games while conceding 7 losses, finishing in fifth spot with 6 points.
Los Angeles Knight Riders
Los Angeles finished last on the points table after a rough campaign, concluding with 4 points. The team conceded 8 losses while securing only two victories.
