ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
MLC 2026: Meet the six captains leading the title charge
The 2026 season will feature six teams competing for the league championship over the coming weeks.
-
Bhavana P - Thu, 18, Jun 2026
- 17:43 EDT
- 33
2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket captains / X/ MLCricket
The 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket season gets underway June 18 at Grand Prairie Stadium, with six experienced international stars set to lead their franchises in the United States' premier T20 competition.
The captains bring a wealth of leadership experience from international cricket and top franchise leagues around the world as they prepare to guide their teams through the race for the 2026 title.
Also read: Pacific Northwest venues for MLC 2026 watch parties
Defending champions Washington Freedom will be led by Australian batter Steve Smith. “We are pleased to announce that Steve Smith is not only back in Washington Freedom colors, but also as our skipper. Champion mentality? Check. Leader? Check. A cricket icon? Check. A fan favorite? Check. Clearly, it didn’t take us long to choose a person who embodies what Washington Freedom is all about,” the team announced in a statement.
With more than 17,000 international runs, Steve Smith is one of the most accomplished cricketers of his generation. Having captained Australia across all three formats, he brings extensive leadership experience to Washington Freedom. His ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in crucial moments makes him a natural leader on and off the field.
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis takes charge of the Texas Super Kings. He has captained South Africa in all three international formats and led teams around the world, from the IPL and SA20 to the Caribbean Premier League. His leadership resume stretches across nearly every major T20 competition in the world.
The LA Knight Riders will be captained by West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder. He has spent much of his career carrying responsibility. The West Indies all-rounder captained his country for several years and led them through one of the most challenging periods in their modern history.
Nicholas Pooran will lead MI New York. The explosive West Indian led MI New York to the 2025 championship and has become one of the most feared T20 batters in world cricket.
Australia's Matt Short has been entrusted with the captaincy of the San Francisco Unicorns, while all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will lead the Seattle Orcas in his first season as a full-time captain in Major League Cricket.
Beyond their on-field performances, the six captains will play a pivotal role in shaping team strategy, managing player resources and making key tactical decisions throughout the tournament.
Launched in 2023, Major League Cricket continues to attract globally recognized talent as it seeks to expand cricket's footprint in the United States.
Read more stories on NewIndiaAbroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login