Steve Smith, the renowned Australian cricketer, has expressed his fondness for the United States on multiple occasions. With the emergence of Major League Cricket in the U.S., boasting substantial financial backing and an enticing salary cap for its six teams, speculation arose about attracting top players worldwide.
Smith, a batting maestro and former Australian captain, has openly shared his affection for the U.S., where he and his wife announced their engagement in 2017. He even owns an apartment in New York and spent time there during his suspension for cheating, garnering attention from the media.
Despite missing the inaugural season of Major League Cricket due to commitments with the Australia Ashes tour, Smith is set to participate in the upcoming edition, representing the Washington Freedom team. He will join forces with fellow World Cup-winning teammates Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell, under the coaching of the legendary Ricky Ponting.
While Smith may not be a standout T20 player, his star power and reputation in the cricketing world add prestige to the MLC. The league has attracted significant investments, including support from influential Indian entrepreneurs based in Silicon Valley.
Major League Cricket has established partnerships with Cricket New South Wales and Cricket Victoria, fostering connections with Australian cricket. The league's collaboration with cricket powerhouses like Australia and India aims to tap into the lucrative U.S. sports market.
Indian influence is evident in the MLC, with three franchises owned by Indian Premier League teams. Notably, Indian players are restricted from participating in non-IPL T20 leagues, unlike Australian cricketers who have the flexibility to engage in such tournaments.
With the MLC season strategically scheduled during Australia's open cricket calendar in July, Smith and other top Australian players have eagerly embraced the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Smith's long-held aspiration of playing cricket in America is on the verge of realization, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
