The Major League Cricket has announced its move to expand the league in terms of the number of games in 2025. The number of matches is expected to be increased to 34 from the current 19. MLC chief executive Vijay Srinivasan confirmed the plans, revealing that they were interested to organize the tournament in the month of June, just as when IPL ends.
MLC 2025 to pose threat to T20 Blast, The Hundred?
“With the Indian Premier League ending in late May, I think our sweet spot would be to start in early June, which is when we have the school holidays in the US, and go into July. That’s how we would like to establish our window,” Vijay Srinivasan said, as per the Guardian.
The upcoming second season of MLC is already clashing with The Hundred for a period of six days. Srinivasan explained that the league was growing naturally, pointing out that the 2nd edition would have as many as 25 games. The expansion in 2025 would mean the MLC would clash with the Vitality T20 Blast.
Stars both from England and abroad have taken keen interest in participating in the MLC previously. The list includes the likes of Jason Roy, Sunil Narine and others. Additionally, the presence of IPL ownership in the MLC franchises is an additional factor that lures players to that particular league over others.
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When does MLC 2024 start?
MLC will start on July 5 – a day later than initially planned – and the 21-match group stage will run until July 23. Each team will play seven group fixtures. The four knockout fixtures have been scheduled for July 24 (Eliminator), 25 (Qualifier), 26 (Challenger) and 28 (final).