Naveen-ul-Haq Destroys The Stumps! Ravindra Clean Bowled
Lights out, Ravindra — courtesy of Naveen’s rocket arm.
One ball. No edge. Just timber. A deadly delivery in the MI New York vs Washington Freedom clash that sent the stumps flying.
Lights out, Ravindra — courtesy of Naveen’s rocket arm.
One ball. No edge. Just timber. A deadly delivery in the MI New York vs Washington Freedom clash that sent the stumps flying.
Freedom’s Power Pick: Mitchell Owen is in the MLC! ⚡
Another big international name joins Major League Cricket!
The trio—Zee @thezeezaidi, Aaman @apsportsnews_, and Nate @cricfanusa—return to break down Washington Freedom’s latest signing: Mitchell Owen. Fresh off a blazing Big Bash season with two centuries, including one in the final, Owen brings serious firepower. “You perform like *that* in a final—get ‘em in the squad,” says Nate.
With stints in both the IPL and PSL this year, Owen’s global T20 experience is unmatched. Aaman highlights the explosive potential of Owen linking up with Rachin Ravindra or Andries Gous, calling it a combination that’s sure to turn heads.
Is Washington Freedom quietly building a title run? Let’s talk.
In this special segment of MLC Talk, Zee @thezeezaidi, Aaman @apsportsnews_, and Nate @cricfanusa relive a truly emotional moment as two Bay Area cricket heroes—Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Saurabh Netravalkar—faced off in the San Francisco Unicorns vs Washington Freedom clash at the iconic Oakland Coliseum.
Both players have deep roots in the Bay Area. Sanjay @sanjaykrishnamurthi, a local student with family in attendance, and Saurabh @saurabh_netra, a long-time resident since moving to the U.S., were met with roaring cheers as their names lit up the stadium screen. The atmosphere was electric, and as Zee put it, it wasn’t just a game—it was a moment that resonated with the entire community.
Aaman also caught up with U.S. Women’s T20I captain Anika Kolan @anika_kolan, who described how the crowd erupted seeing their hometown stars take the field.
Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion on what it meant for the fans, the players, and the growing cricket culture in the Bay Area.
📺 Tune in for more MLC Talk moments & stories that matter!
In a spectacular display of power hitting, Finn Allen @finnallen32 blasted a record-breaking 151 runs for the San Francisco Unicorns @sfounicorns in the MLC 2025 opener against Washington Freedom! 🔥
Allen’s explosive knock, featuring a jaw-dropping 19 sixes, has rewritten the record books, breaking the previous world record for most sixes in a T20 innings (18). The previous best was 18, jointly held by Chris Gayle (in BPL 2017) and Sahil Chauhan (against Cyprus in 2024).
This wasn’t just a knock—it was absolute cinema! 🎬 Will anyone be able to top this performance in @MLC 2025? 🏏
📍 DMV → MLC talent pipeline unlocked.
⚡ MLC champions Washington Freedom have joined forces with Minor League Cricket’s Baltimore Royals and BRSS Cricket—the largest academy in North America.
Why it matters:
✅ Player Pathway: From academy to MiLC to MLC
✅ Shared Resources: Coaching, grounds, development programs
✅ Grassroots to Glory: Youth clinics, school programs, community cricket
✅ Business Synergy: Joint marketing, bigger sponsors, local visibility
🎯 This is what U.S. cricket needs—infrastructure, identity, and integration. And it’s happening in one of America’s most diverse, untapped markets.
Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise Washington Freedom has entered into a strategic partnership with Baltimore Royals of Minor League Cricket (MiLC) and BRSS Cricket, the largest cricket academy in North America. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in developing cricketing talent and growing the sport across the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region.
Key Pillars of the Partnership
The partnership establishes a clear pathway for emerging players from BRSS Cricket and the Baltimore Royals to progress into professional cricket. Washington Freedom will benefit from a strong local talent pool, while young athletes gain exposure to higher levels of competition and training.
All three organisations will collaborate on the use of training grounds, coaching staff, and player development programs. Joint sessions, workshops, and camps will ensure consistent, high-quality coaching and foster team cohesion.
The partnership will focus on grassroots development through school outreach programs, youth clinics, and community cricket events across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Together, the organisations aim to build a strong fan base and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
By aligning marketing efforts, the partnership will unlock greater sponsorship opportunities and amplify promotional campaigns, increasing visibility for cricket across the region.
About the Organizations
Washington Freedom: Founded in 2023 and owned by entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, Washington Freedom won the MLC Championship in 2024. The team is committed to growing cricket in the U.S. and is developing a state-of-the-art cricket stadium set to open in 2026.
Baltimore Royals: Formerly known as the DC Hawks, the Royals rebranded in 2023 under the leadership of Rajit Passey. Based in the DMV area, the team is deeply involved in developing local talent through MiLC and regional tournaments.
BRSS Cricket: A merger of two leading academies, Baltimore Royals Sunny Sohal Cricket (BRSS), is now the largest cricket academy in North America. With three locations across the DMV, BRSS is committed to coaching, mentoring, and preparing young cricketers for professional success.
Photo Credit: Washington Freedom
Washington Freedom CEO Dhiraj Malhotra shares his thoughts on the exciting young talent Yasir Mohammad @yxsirm88, highlighting the impressive growth and promise the player has shown over time. Described as a naturally gifted cricketer, Yasir has been gaining valuable experience through increased match play and international exposure—boosting both his confidence and performance.
Malhotra @dhirajmalhotra_dm emphasizes how Yasir has been brilliant in the nets and training, with coaches and staff closely monitoring his development. From strength to strength, Yasir’s trajectory has caught the eye of the entire organization, and there’s growing belief that 2025 could be the year he earns his chance on the field.
Could this be Yasir Mohammad’s breakout season with Washington Freedom @wshfreedom? Watch the full clip to hear why the buzz around this young prospect is real.
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.
Emerging Australian allrounder Mitchell Owen has signed with defending champions Washington Freedom for the 2025 Major League Cricket season.
The 23-year-old’s addition comes as a timely boost with stars Marco Jansen and Travis Head unavailable due to Test duties.
Known for his versatility and rising profile in T20 cricket, Owen is expected to play a key role in Freedom’s title defence.
Named in the Top USA Men’s Performances of 2024 by Zee and the @biginnings_ podcast crew — Nate and Aaman — Jessy delivered a standout spell on July 20 for Washington Freedom against the Texas Super Kings. 🎯🇺🇸
With figures of 3 wickets for just 25 runs in his 4 overs, Jessy dismantled a world-class lineup, removing Faf du Plessis, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie. 💥🔥
A clutch performance from a remarkable player — Jessy continues to shine as a key figure in USA’s bowling attack! 🌟