New Zealand Cricket steps back from 2027 Major League Cricket franchise plans
Plans for New Zealand Cricket to be involved with a new Major League Cricket franchise have been scrapped. Photo / Photosport
“There’s plenty of potential in the American market, however following further evaluation of the opportunity, we don’t think the timing is right for us to be taking this on.
“Our immediate priority is ensuring we continue to invest in strengthening cricket in New Zealand and refining the best possible high-performance environment for our players and teams.
“I want to thank TNS and MLC co-founders Sameer Mehta and Vijay Srinivasan for allowing us to explore the opportunity and their support in coming to this mutual agreement.
“We wish them all the best for the future of MLC and have pledged to keep the lines of communication open.”
No capital had been invested in the partnership by NZC and the body would have no ongoing involvement.
At the time of the initial announcement, it was suggested NZC could invest in and back a second team in MLC in 2031.
The planned partnership was also the first time a full International Cricket Council member would have partnered with a franchise in a top-level league.
Colin Munro’s Los Angeles Knight Riders won the most recent edition of the competition in July by one run, beating Washington Freedom which included fellow Kiwis Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson.
