Major League Cricket 07/29 00:30 1 Washington Freedom v San Francisco Unicorns 207-111
Major League Cricket 07/26 00:30 14 San Francisco Unicorns v Washington Freedom 145/10(19)-149/3(15.3)
Major League Cricket 07/23 00:30 - Washington Freedom v San Francisco Unicorns 177/4(13.4)-174/3(15.3)
Major League Cricket 07/20 00:30 - Washington Freedom v Texas Super Kings 164/10(19.5)-206/5(20)
Major League Cricket 07/17 00:30 - Washington Freedom v MI New York 88/10(13.3)-182/5(20)
Major League Cricket 07/14 19:30 - Los Angeles Knight Riders v Washington Freedom 130/2(16)-129/10(18.4)
Major League Cricket 07/12 00:30 - Washington Freedom v Seattle Orcas 124/10(19.4)-127/5(18.2)
Major League Cricket 07/08 19:30 - Texas Super Kings v Washington Freedom Abandoned
Major League Cricket 07/06 19:00 - MI New York v Washington Freedom 55/1(7.4)-154/9(20)
Major League Cricket 07/27 20:30 14 Washington Freedom v MI New York 125-141
Major League Cricket 07/23 21:00 - MI New York v Washington Freedom 161-160
Major League Cricket 07/22 21:00 - Washington Freedom v San Francisco Unicorns 133-103
Major League Cricket 07/20 21:30 - Los Angeles Knight Riders v Washington Freedom 175-177
Major League Cricket 07/16 20:30 - Texas Super Kings v Washington Freedom 157-163
Major League Cricket 07/15 00:30 - Seattle Orcas v Washington Freedom 148-144

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 Steve Smith.

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.

2024 season

In December 2023, it was announced that the second season of the tournament would begin on July 4, 2024, four days after the conclusion of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

On February 15, 2024, the retained overseas players' Akeal Hosein and Marco Jansen Retained. On March 1, 2024, the domestic player retention list was announced. Andries Gous Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Saurabh Netravalkar, Justin Dill, Akhilesh Bodugum.

The domestic players' draft was virtually held on March 21, 2024, with a total of 20 players being picked by the teams over 10 rounds. An additional draft is scheduled for June 16 in order for teams to complete their squads.

Ian Holland, Amila Aponso, Lahiru Milantha and Yasir Mohammad were prominent names picked in the domestic round of the draft.

The following players were directly signed by teams ahead of the 2024 season. Rachin Ravindra, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Lockie Ferguson, Andrew Tye and Jack Edwards was also announced as another overseas signing by the Freedom.

During the 2024 campaign, the Freedom went top of the table by recording a 4 runs win over the MI New York, a no-result with the Texas Super Kings, a 5-wicket win over the Seattle Orcas, an 8-wicket win over the Los Angeles Knight Riders, a 94 runs win over the MI New York, and a 42 runs win over the Texas Super Kings. However, the Freedom's unbeaten streak was snapped with a 6-wicket defeat to the San Francisco Unicorns in the last game of the regular season. Their 5-1-1 record earned the Freedom a first-place finish going into the playoffs. In the MLC championship final, the Freedom defeated the Unicorns by 96 runs to win their first title under captain Steve Smith.

**Washington Freedom Cricket Team**

The Washington Freedom is a dynamic and spirited cricket team that embodies the essence of competitive sports in the heart of the nation's capital. Established to promote the love of cricket and foster a sense of community among players and fans alike, the team represents a diverse blend of cultures and backgrounds, reflecting the rich tapestry of Washington, D.C.

With a commitment to excellence, the Washington Freedom is known for its skilled players, strategic gameplay, and unwavering sportsmanship. The team competes in various local and regional leagues, showcasing their talent and passion for the game. Their distinctive colors and emblem symbolize unity, resilience, and the pursuit of victory.

Off the field, the Washington Freedom is dedicated to community engagement, organizing youth cricket programs, workshops, and events that inspire the next generation of cricketers. The team believes in the power of sport to bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles, and build lasting friendships.

Whether playing in front of enthusiastic home crowds or competing on the road, the Washington Freedom is more than just a cricket team; it is a movement that champions the spirit of freedom, teamwork, and the joy of the game. Join us as we strive for greatness and celebrate the beautiful game of cricket!