Results
| Major League Cricket | 07/27 20:30 | 14 | Washington Freedom v MI New York | 125/9(20)-141/7(20) | |
| Major League Cricket | 07/23 21:00 | - | MI New York v Washington Freedom | 161/2(15.3)-160/6(20) | |
| Major League Cricket | 07/22 21:00 | - | Washington Freedom v San Francisco Unicorns | 133/8(20)-103/10(19.5) | |
| Major League Cricket | 07/20 21:30 | - | Los Angeles Knight Riders v Washington Freedom | 177/4(18.1)-175/7(20) | |
| Major League Cricket | 07/16 20:30 | - | Texas Super Kings v Washington Freedom | 157/7(20)-163/5(20) | |
| Major League Cricket | 07/15 00:30 | - | Seattle Orcas v Washington Freedom | 148/5(19.4)-144/7(20) |
Wikipedia - Washington Freedom (cricket)
The Washington Freedom are an American professional Twenty20 cricket team that competes in Major League Cricket (MLC). The team plans to be based in Washington, D.C. and was announced in 2023 as one of six inaugural franchises to play in Major League Cricket. The Freedom is owned by Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil. The team is coached by Ricky Ponting and is captained by Moises Henriques.
History
Background
In May 2022, Major League Cricket announced that it had secured $120 million from various investors across the United States. One of these investors was Sanjay Govil, who was later announced to be the lead investor and owner of the Washington DC-based franchise team. Alongside MLC, Govil partnered up with George Mason University to launch a feasibility study into a 12,000-seat hybrid cricket/baseball stadium later that year in December. The proposed stadium would host both cricket and baseball games and support up to 12,000 spectators upon its completion in summer 2025. George Mason University announced in March 2024 that it would not proceed with the stadium.
In February 2023, Major League Cricket announced that Govil had entered a partnership with Cricket New South Wales to help accelerate the growth of the DC-based franchise. The agreement included initiatives to further player development opportunities, as well as cricket content, within the U.S., an exchange program of coaches and support staff, and opportunities for NSW-based players to play in MLC. Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon stated that "... he [Govil] was very keen to not have an IPL partner... [and wanted to] partner with someone outside who could really bring what we wanted to the table."
In March 2023, the team's name, the Washington Freedom, and logo were officially revealed to the public. Upon the unveiling of the team name and logo, Govil said that, "the team's mark and colors are a perfect for a team from the nation's capital to compete on the global stage."
2023 season
The Freedom had the second overall pick of the MLC's inaugural domestic draft and selected Thunderbolts vice-captain Andries Gous as their first draft pick. Dane Piedt, Mukhtar Ahmed, and Saad Ali were also all picked up by the team, with Sri Lanka international Wanindu Hasaranga (who later pulled out of the competition) and South African quick Anrich Nortje both being announced as direct signings during the draft. Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, and Adam Milne were all also announced as direct signings in May. The team then later announced it would be led by Sixers captain Moises Henriques. Shortly after, they announced that they had appointed Greg Shipperd as their head coach and Dale Steyn as their bowling coach. Later the following month, they announced Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, and Akeal Hosein all as additional direct signings. Tanveer Sangha was signed in the days leading up to the tournament as a replacement for Hasaranga, while Matthew Short was added to the squad as an injury replacement for Josh Philippe.
Freedom's season started with a narrow defeat against Seattle Orcas, before they bounced back in the second fixture against Texas Super Kings, winning by six runs thanks to a fantastic all-round bowling display that backed up 80 off 50 balls from Matt Short.
Two more wins would follow against LA Knight Riders and San Francisco Unicorns, before a defeat at the hands of MI New York would see Freedom forced to settle for a place in the third v fourth Eliminator fixture in Finals week. The highlight of Freedom's group stage campaign came against the Unicorns, where Saurabh Netravalkar starred with an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 6-9 as Freedom successfully defended 133.
The team is known for its strong and talented roster of players, consisting of both local and international cricket stars. With a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, the Washington Freedom cricket team prides itself on representing the multicultural community of the city.
The team's home ground is the iconic Washington Cricket Stadium, which provides a picturesque setting for thrilling matches. The stadium has state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate a large number of spectators, creating an electrifying atmosphere during matches.
The Washington Freedom cricket team is known for its aggressive and entertaining style of play. The players exhibit exceptional skills in batting, bowling, and fielding, making every match a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. The team's coaching staff is dedicated to nurturing young talent and ensuring the continuous development of the players.
Off the field, the Washington Freedom cricket team actively engages with the local community through various outreach programs. They organize coaching clinics, charity events, and school visits to promote the sport and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
The team's success is evident in their impressive track record, having won multiple domestic championships and consistently performing well in international tournaments. The Washington Freedom cricket team has gained a loyal fan base who passionately support them in every match, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere at their games.
Overall, the Washington Freedom cricket team is a powerhouse in the world of cricket, known for their exceptional skills, commitment to diversity, and strong community engagement. They continue to make a significant impact on the sport, both on and off the field, and are a source of pride for the city of Washington, D.C.