Rashid khan, Rabada and Pollard. (Photo source: Twitter and BCCI/IPL)
MI New York have brought stardom to the upcoming inaugural edition of Major League Cricket after the franchise announced a fearsome bowling unit for the tournament. Fast bowling superstars Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada will spearhead the bowling unit with globetrotting spin wizard Rashid Khan also featuring in the star-studded squad.
The inaugural edition of MLC, which is scheduled to commence on July 13, will be a six-team affair. The much-talked-about tournament will run for three weeks in Dallas and will witness some of the biggest names in T20 cricket ply their trade in the United States.
MI New York, owned by Indiawin Sports Private Limited, the parent owner of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians, announced their star-studded squad ahead of the tournament. Veteran West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard will lead the side in the inaugural edition, with Nicholas Pooran, Tim David, Dewald Brevis and Jason Behrendorff also being part of the overseas contingent.
“It is an extraordinary line-up of youth, experience, and power. Further, we have exciting talent in the form of Tim David and Brevis, while Jason Behrendorff and David Wiese are proven performers. Combined with the exceptional skills of our local US players, we are confident that MI New York will raise the bar of competition in the cricket ecosystem of the US,” Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, said in a statement.
Robin Peterson and Lasith Malinga join the coaching staff
Pollard, who recently joined Mumbai Indians coaching staff, also captained MI Emirates, one of Mumbai’s sister franchises, in the inaugural edition of ILT20. Meanwhile, Afghan superstar Rashid Khan and Proteas fast bowling sensation Kagiso Rabada will be playing for MI New York after having already represented their sister franchise MI Cape Town in the inaugural edition of SA20 earlier this year.
Talking about the coaching staff, former South African all-rounder Robin Peterson has been named the head coach of the recently assembled team. Meanwhile, former Mumbai Indians pacer and bowling icon Lasith Malinga will be donning the hat of the bowling coach. J Arunkumar and James Pamment will be the batting and fielding coaches, respectively.