MLC 2026 Full Squads, Captains And Teams List: Complete Major League Cricket Guide

Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 gets underway on June 18, with six franchises battling for supremacy in what promises to be the biggest edition of America's premier T20 competition yet.

Now entering its fourth season, MLC continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing franchise leagues in world cricket. The tournament will run until July 18, featuring 34 matches across three venues and a mix of international superstars and emerging American talent.

Defending champions MI New York return looking to add another title to their growing trophy cabinet, while the likes of Washington Freedom, Texas Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns boast squads capable of challenging for the crown.

With former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin set to make history and global stars such as Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, Faf du Plessis and Haris Rauf in action, MLC 2026 could be the league's most high-profile season yet.

The Six MLC Teams

MI New York

The most successful franchise in MLC history and defending champions, MI New York are backed by the Mumbai Indians ownership group and once again enter the tournament among the favourites. Led by Nicholas Pooran, they possess one of the strongest batting units in the competition alongside proven match-winners in Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult and Quinton de Kock.

Texas Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings sister franchise continues under the leadership of Faf du Plessis and legendary coach Stephen Fleming. Despite consistently reaching the latter stages of the tournament, Texas are still searching for their first MLC title and will be hoping experienced stars such as Akeal Hosein, Adam Milne and Donovan Ferreira can help them go one step further.

San Francisco Unicorns

One of the most exciting teams in the league, the Unicorns enter 2026 with perhaps the tournament's biggest headline signing. Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the first Indian-capped men's cricketer to feature in Major League Cricket after joining the franchise. Alongside Ashwin, the Unicorns boast firepower through Matthew Short, Finn Allen, Haris Rauf, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett.

Washington Freedom

Champions in 2024 and runners-up in 2025, Washington Freedom once again look like genuine title contenders. Steve Smith is expected to captain the side, while Glenn Maxwell, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Marco Jansen provide international quality across all departments. Their settled core remains one of the strongest in the competition.

Seattle Orcas

The inaugural season runners-up have undergone significant changes over the past 12 months but remain a dangerous side. Sikandar Raza leads a squad featuring Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Tim Seifert and Jason Behrendorff as Seattle aim to return to playoff contention.

Los Angeles Knight Riders

Backed by the Knight Riders Group, LAKR are still searching for consistency after underwhelming campaigns in previous seasons. Jason Holder continues as captain, while Dwayne Bravo takes charge as head coach. The franchise will also play home matches at the newly-introduced Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona, California.

How Are MLC Squads Structured?

One of the unique features of Major League Cricket is its blend of international stars and domestic American talent.

Current squad regulations include:

• Squads consisting of between 15 and 18 players
• Maximum of nine overseas players in a squad
• Minimum six USA-qualified players in every playing XI
• Domestic players acquired through the MLC Draft
• Overseas players signed directly by franchises

The model is designed to accelerate the growth of cricket in the United States by allowing local players to learn alongside some of the world's biggest stars.

Biggest International Stars To Watch

Ravichandran Ashwin (San Francisco Unicorns)

The biggest storyline of MLC 2026. Ashwin's arrival marks the first appearance by an Indian-capped men's player in the competition and significantly boosts the tournament's global profile.

Steve Smith (Washington Freedom)

One of the most reliable batters in world cricket and expected to lead Washington Freedom's title challenge.

Glenn Maxwell (Washington Freedom)

A proven match-winner capable of changing games with both bat and ball.

Nicholas Pooran (MI New York)

Among the most destructive T20 batters in the world and the leader of the defending champions.

Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings)

Still one of the most consistent performers in franchise cricket despite being in the latter stages of his career.

Haris Rauf (San Francisco Unicorns)

The Pakistan speedster remains one of the quickest bowlers in the tournament and could form a formidable partnership with Ashwin.

American Players To Keep An Eye On

While international stars attract headlines, MLC's long-term success depends on the development of local talent.

Andries Gous

The USA wicketkeeper-batter has developed into one of the country's most dependable performers.

Harmeet Singh

A former India U-19 player who has reinvented himself as a key all-rounder for USA Cricket.

Ali Khan

One of the pioneers of professional cricket in the United States and still among the country's leading fast bowlers.

Shayan Jahangir

An aggressive top-order batter capable of taking games away from opponents inside the Powerplay.

MLC 2026 Schedule And Format

The tournament begins on June 18 when Texas Super Kings face Seattle Orcas at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.

The 34-match competition will be played across three venues:

• Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
• Oakland Coliseum, California
• Knight Riders Cricket Field, Pomona

Each team plays the others twice in a double round-robin format before the top four advance to the playoffs.

The final will be held at Oakland Coliseum on July 18.

With bigger names, stronger squads and growing international attention, MLC 2026 represents another significant step in the rise of franchise cricket in the United States.