MLC Draft Archives - 1709 Cricket

Seattle Orcas Make Jessy Singh Their Top Pick —…

June 11, 2025June 11, 2025
by Team

MLC

Seattle Orcas @mlcseattleorcas CEO Hemant Dua shares the inside story behind selecting Jessy Singh as the first overall draft pick for Major League Cricket @mlc 2025.

Hemant explains how the team spent extensive time analyzing games and identified the crucial need for a quality domestic pace bowler.

When Jessy @jessysingh29 entered the draft pool, his strong performances in the Minor League and impressive bowling for the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup made him the obvious choice.

Hemant reveals there was no doubt Jessy would be their number one pick — a talent they’ve been closely tracking and are excited to have on board for the upcoming season.

Dhiraj Malhotra On Abhishek Paradkar: “Young Upcoming Star”

May 24, 2025May 24, 2025
by Team

1709 Interviews

Washington Freedom CEO Dhiraj Malhotra shares his excitement about rising young talent Abhishek Paradkar.

He calls Abhishek an “upcoming star” with immense potential and emphasizes the importance of nurturing him early. “For us to get him early, be part of his journey, and welcome him into the Freedom family is special,” says Malhotra.

He highlights the promising duo of Abhishek and Saurabh, and expresses confidence in the coaching team — Assistant Coach James Hopes and Shawn Bradstreet — to groom Abhishek into a future star.

Hammad Picked #12 in MLC Domestic Draft!

April 8, 2025April 9, 2025
by Team

MLC

Hammad Azam is headed to the San Francisco Unicorns at #12 in the MLC @mlc domestic draft! Zee (1709cricket) along with friends Aaman, and Nate from the @biginnings_ podcast discuss why this might be the best value pick of the draft.

Azam @hammadazam_73, the Player of the Super Eight and Finals MVP in Minor League Cricket @milcusa, just keeps winning. He’s a proven match-winner with the bat and a handy option with the ball.

With SFU @sfounicorns loaded with depth in most areas, Azam fills a key gap—providing cover for Corey Anderson.

Stephen Picked #11 In MLC Domestic Draft!

March 28, 2025March 29, 2025
by Team

MLC

Stephen Wiig has been picked at #11 by Texas Super Kings @texassuperkings in the MLC @mlc domestic draft! Zee (1709cricket) along with friends Aaman, and Nate from the @biginnings_ podcast break down this incredible pick. @stephenw_19

A left-arm pacer and all-rounder, Wiig has proven he can deliver with both bat and ball. They revisit his clutch performance against the Philadelphians, where he smashed 27 off 9 and took 3 overs for 22 runs, earning Man of the Match honors at Mercer Park.

Plus, the fascinating connection—Wiig recently got capped in an ODI, presented by Saiteja @saitejam10, and now they’re teammates on three different teams (Team USA, NJ Stallions, TSK)!

Abhishek Picked #13 In MLC Domestic Draft!

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025
by Team

MLC

Abhishek Paradkar has been picked at #13 by Washington Freedom in the MLC @mlc domestic draft! Zee (1709cricket) along with friends Aaman, and Nate from the @biginnings_ podcast break down why this is a smart pick.

A left-arm seamer with experience at the USA national level, Paradkar @abhishek_109 has been crucial in Minor League Cricket, helping the East Bay Blazers @eb.blazers reach the Super Eight. His five-wicket haul in a match last season proves his impact.

Washington @wshfreedom needed pace depth after last year’s struggles, and this pick ensures they’re well-prepared. A solid addition to their squad! 🔥

Sharad Picked #10 In MLC Domestic Draft!

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025
by Team

MLC

Sharad Lumba is headed to MI New York as the #10 pick in the MLC Domestic Draft, and Zee (1709cricket) along with friends Aaman, and Nate from the @biginnings_ podcast break down why this is a fantastic selection! 🎯

Lumba @iamsharadlumba was a standout at the Super 8, showcasing his ability to score quickly and efficiently—his 46 off 19 proved he can adapt his classical technique to the fast-paced T20 format. With experience in India and a relentless drive to make it to MLC @mlc , he’s put in the work and fully earned this spot.

Watch as the team analyzes his journey, playing style, and why MI New York @minycricket is the perfect fit! 🏏🔥

Karthik Picked #9 In MLC Domestic Daft!

March 20, 2025March 20, 2025
by Team

MLC

Karthik Gattepalli gets picked #9 in the MLC Domestic Draft by Los Angeles Knight Riders @lakriders , and Zee, joined by Aaman and Nate from the @biginnings_ podcast, breaks down why this is one of their favorite picks of the draft.

A standout in Minor League Cricket @milcusa, Karthik was a frequent finalist for Emerging Player of the Week before aging out. Despite representing USA U-19 in 2017, he truly discovered his potential while playing for Houston Hurricanes, competing against top talent in Texas. Now at 24, balancing a career outside cricket, he’s thrilled for this opportunity.

Tune in as they discuss his journey, draft insights, and what this means for USA Cricket!

@ksg_54 @mlcricketusa

Shayan Picked #7 In MLC Domestic Draft!

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025
by Team

MLC

Shayan Jahangir’s Path to Seattle Orcas!

Zee, Nate, and Aaman explore Shayan Jahangir’s @father.shay selection by the Seattle Orcas @mlcseattleorcas at pick #7 in the MLC Draft. Their discussion highlights Jahangir’s remarkable versatility as a top batter for the USA, his ability to excel in various roles, and his preference to open batting. The trio agrees that Seattle offers the ideal environment for Jahangir, providing a fresh start and the perfect platform for him to showcase his considerable talent.

The conversation also delves into the excitement surrounding Jahangir’s selection, with personal anecdotes that emphasize his family’s joy and his resilience in overcoming recent setbacks. Jahangir’s standout performances in Major League Cricket @mlcricketusa, especially his strong showings in the playoffs with a strike rate of 119 and an average of 25, underscore his value to Seattle’s lineup.

Don’t miss this in-depth breakdown of Jahangir’s draft pick, team dynamics, and his promising future with the Seattle Orcas!

Tajinder Singh Picked #4 in MLC Domestic Draft!

February 28, 2025March 11, 2025
by Team

MLC

Tajinder Singh @tj.dhillon19 is headed to New York!

In the 2025 MLC @mlcricketusa Draft, the talented batter and off-break bowler was picked up, and the panel—Zee, Nate @cricfanusa, and Aaman @apsportsnews_ —couldn’t be happier.

While he hasn’t made a statistical impact in Major League Cricket yet, his performances in Minor League Cricket @milcusa have been outstanding. Nate highlights his versatility with the bat, which will be a key asset for New York, especially after dropping Tim David.

Zee shares how emotional this moment is for Tajinder, who has had a tough year personally, including the loss of his father and being cut from the Unicorns despite an incredible Minor League season. Aaman emphasizes that New York recognizes the importance of domestic depth, and Tajinder provides exactly that. Whether in the top order or finishing the innings, he has the potential to make a real impact.

Watch as the panel breaks down what this pick means for New York and Tajinder Singh’s career!

Jessy Singh Picked #1 in MLC Domestic Draft!

February 25, 2025March 11, 2025
by Team

MLC

MLC 2025 Draft: Jesse Singh @jessysingh29 Goes #1 Overall! 🏏

Join Zee (@1709cricket) , Nate (@cricfanusa), and Aaman (@apsportsnews_ ), as they break down the Seattle Orcas’ @mlcseattleorcas decision to select Jesse Singh as the #1 overall pick in the MLC 2025 Draft!

🔥 Jesse’s Journey:

✅ Won MLC championships with two different teams in the first two seasons.
✅ Initially overlooked in drafts but proved his worth on the field.
✅ Stepped up for Washington Freedom @wshfreedom last season, earning two Player of the Match awards.
✅ Represented USA in the World Cup, keeping him in top form.

From going undrafted last year to becoming the top pick this year, Jesse’s rise is nothing short of inspiring! Watch as our panel discusses his journey, Seattle’s decision, and what this means for Major League Cricket @mlcricketusa.

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