Oakland, CA, July 20, 2026: The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) captured their first-ever Major League Cricket (MLC) championship on Saturday, edging defending champions Washington Freedom by a single run in a dramatic final that went down to the final over at the Oakland Coliseum.
The victory marks a historic milestone for the franchise, which joined Major League Cricket when the league was launched in 2023. After struggling in its first three seasons, LAKR completed a remarkable turnaround to lift its maiden MLC trophy.
Asked to bat first, the Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 164, thanks to valuable contributions from experienced all-rounders Sunil Narine and Jason Holder. Washington Freedom mounted a spirited chase and appeared poised to snatch victory before LAKR’s bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish. Shadley van Schalkwyk delivered the decisive final over, successfully defending the remaining runs to secure a memorable one-run win.
The title caps an impressive playoff run for the Los Angeles franchise. In Qualifier 1, LAKR defeated the high-flying San Francisco Unicorns by seven runs to book a place in the final. Captain Jason Holder led from the front throughout the tournament, while Colin Munro, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell all played pivotal roles during the playoffs. Powell was named Player of the Match in the qualifier for his match-winning performance.
The championship is another feather in the cap for the Knight Riders Group, whose global cricket portfolio includes successful franchises in the Indian Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, and the UAE’s ILT20. The Los Angeles franchise is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and businessman Jay Mehta.
Following the victory, Shah Rukh Khan congratulated the players on social media, celebrating the team’s first Major League Cricket title and praising their resilience after a challenging start to the league’s history.
The triumph also comes during a landmark year for the franchise. Earlier this season, the Knight Riders inaugurated their own dedicated cricket venue in Pomona, California, reflecting their long-term commitment to developing the sport in the United States.
Major League Cricket has continued to gain momentum since its launch, attracting international stars and growing crowds as cricket prepares for its return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. LAKR’s dramatic title win is expected to further boost interest in the sport among American fans and the country’s rapidly expanding South Asian community.
Cover photo courtesy: LA Knightriders website/SRK/IG.
The LAKR stadium. The championship….cricket in America….awesome @SunilPNarine74 @Jaseholder98 @Russell12A and all of the team. Absolutely outstanding. You all said we are here to win not just participate….and u showed it. Love u all….Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo!
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 19, 2026
