In the MLC Season 2 domestic draft, former Pakistan U19 captain Hassan Khan (San Francisco Unicorns), wicketkeeper-batsman Adithya Ganesh (LA Knight Riders), and South African-born teenaged sensation Joshua Tromp (Texas Super Kings) emerged as the premier selections, commanding a combined sum of $75,000 for their talents showcased over the three-week American extravaganza.
Surprisingly, former India U19 star Smit Patel failed to attract any bids in the draft, which witnessed 20 signings ranging from $75,000 to $5,000.
Left-arm spinning all-rounder Hassan Khan had a stellar 2023 season for the Chicago Kingsmen in the MiLC, amassing 220 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 181 across five innings after relinquishing his Pakistan aspirations.
Adithya Ganesh, who represented the Dindigul Dragons in the TNPL until July last year, concluded his BCCI career by joining the East Bay Blazers in the MiC, scoring 265 runs in ten innings with a strike rate of 116.
Texas Super Kings showed faith in the prodigious talent of Houston Hurricanes’ Joshua Tromp, making him their top pick despite a dedicated draft category for U23 players.
Tromp, aged 19, had a breakthrough season, accumulating 362 runs in ten innings with four half-centuries in the fiercely competitive central division.
Joining his twin brother Matthew in the MLC, Joshua’s selection followed Matthew’s move to the LA Knight Riders on a rookie contract after being released by the Seattle Orcas.
TSK also rewarded Philadelphian Raj Nannan for his impactful spells in the 2023 MiLC.
The puzzling exclusion of Smit Patel reverberated through American cricket circles.
The 31-year-old, who represented the Barbados Royals previously, found no takers despite his extensive experience, having played 55 Ranji Trophy matches.
Patel’s return to competitive cricket following a near-fatal accident in 2022 has been challenging.
Notably, big-hitting Jaskaran Malhotra and former Mumbai batsman Akarshit Gomel also went unsold despite their impressive MiLC performances.
Hampshire and USA all-rounder Ian Holland will debut in the MLC, teaming up with former SL spinner Amila Aponso at Washington Freedom.
MI New York secured the services of Ruben Clinton, South Africa-born Heath Richards, and Rushil Ugarkar.
LA Knight Riders brought back fast-bowling all-rounder Corne Dry and left-spinning all-rounder Derone Davis.
Seattle Orcas acquired former Pakistan international Hammad Azam, Ali Sheikh, and Ayan Desai.
San Francisco Unicorns added Jahmar Hamilton and USA discard Karima Gore, infusing some Calypso flavor, while former Mumbai Indians opening batsman Tejinder Singh will bolster Unicorns’ batting lineup.
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