Wikipedia - Los Angeles Knight Riders
The Los Angeles Knight Riders, otherwise known as the LA Knight Riders, are an American professional Twenty20 cricket team that competes in Major League Cricket (MLC). The team plans to be based in Los Angeles, California and was originally announced in 2020 as a team to play in Major League Cricket. The franchise is owned by the Knight Riders Group, a sporting subsidiary alliance between the Red Chillies Entertainment and the Mehta Group.
The team plans to have their home ground at Great Park in Irvine, California. The stadium is expected to cost $30 million and seat upwards of 10,000 spectators once its completion around 2024 and 2025. The Knight Riders' minor league affiliate—the SoCal Lashings also separately play in MLC's developmental league, Minor League Cricket.
History
Background
In December 2020, it was announced by Major League Cricket that the Knight Riders Group had bought a stake in their league, and as a result, was given ownership rights to the LA Knight Riders. Plans for the team were reaffirmed in April 2021 with CEO Venky Mysore stating that the team would even have their own stadium. More plans on this stadium would be revealed nearly a year later in April 2022, with plans for a 10,000-seat cricket stadium costing $30 million.
In July 2022, Mysore reaffirmed once again his intent of starting a brand in L.A. stating that, "we [the Knight Riders Group] also made a big investment in... MLC where we were involved from the inception of the idea. We'll be setting up [the] LA Knight Riders and we're also building a stadium [there]...". In November later that year, the 2023 season of MLC was officially announced. Shortly thereafter, in March 2023, more information about the LA Knight Riders was revealed, including the unveiling of its team logo.
2023 season
Prior to the launch of the official season, it was announced the MLC's inaugural domestic draft would take place on March 19, 2023. The Knight Riders had the final pick of the draft and selected the Hurricanes' Ali Khan as their first draft pick. Over the course of the draft, the Knight Riders selected various players including the likes of Unmukt Chand, Corné Dry, and Saif Badar. The Knight Riders announced their full squad on June 13, with England's Jason Roy, Australia's Adam Zampa, West Indies' Sunil Narine and New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson all in the mix. Mysore, upon the squad's unveiling, stated that, "we have assembled a strong and talented team for the debut season of MLC, who can compete at the highest level and bring joy to cricket fans around the world". On July 10, team management announced that Narine would lead the team as the captain and that Phil Simmons would be the team's head coach. Alongside Simmons, Bharat Arun and Ryan ten Doeschate were subsequently announced as the team's bowling and batting coaches, respectively.
2024 season
Ahead of the 2024 season opener on July 5, the Knight Riders retained a vast majority of their squad, including Roy, Narine, and Chand. The team would also sign various overseas and domestic players, consisting of the likes of Bangladeshi Shakib al Hasan and local boy Matthew Tromp.
The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) are a dynamic and vibrant cricket team that embodies the spirit of the City of Angels. Established with the vision of promoting cricket in the heart of Southern California, the Knight Riders bring together a diverse group of talented players from around the globe, united by their passion for the game.
With a striking color palette of deep purple and gold, the team's branding reflects the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles. The Knight Riders play their home matches at state-of-the-art venues, where fans can experience the thrill of live cricket in an electrifying atmosphere. The team is committed to engaging with the local community, hosting youth clinics, and promoting the sport to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
On the field, the LA Knight Riders are known for their aggressive playing style, strategic acumen, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. The squad features a mix of seasoned international stars and emerging local talent, ensuring a competitive edge in every match. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the Knight Riders aim to make their mark in domestic and international tournaments, striving for championship glory.
Off the field, the LA Knight Riders are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and sportsmanship, making cricket accessible to fans of all backgrounds. Through various outreach programs and community initiatives, the team aims to build a lasting legacy in Los Angeles, promoting the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance.
Join the LA Knight Riders on their journey as they aim to conquer the cricketing world, one match at a time, and become a beloved symbol of cricket in Los Angeles!