MLC

“In MLC 2, standout foreign retentions feature Pooran, De Kock, Rashid, and Boult, solidifying their teams’ international talent pool.”

MLC has unveiled a roster of 23 retained players for its highly anticipated second edition, slated to commence on July 4, just days after the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Seizing a strategic window between the World Cup and The Hundred, as well as a white-ball hiatus for teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, and Pakistan, MLC sidesteps potential player availability clashes.

MI New York secures the core instrumental in their 2023 triumph, with Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Dewald Brewis, and Tim David poised to ignite their power-packed campaign once more.

Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, and Rashid Khan spearhead a formidable bowling arsenal for MINY.

Runners-up Seattle Orcas lock in South African trio Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, and captain Wayne Parnell, alongside Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim, who bids farewell to international cricket.

Faf du Plessis returns as captain for the Texas Super Kings, flanked by Kiwi stars Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner.

LA Knight Riders’ stalwarts Andre Russell and skipper Sunil Narine headline the squad, with returning batsman Jason Roy reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.

LAKR also secures Aussie duo Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa.

San Francisco Unicorns and Ricky Ponting’s Washington Freedom undergo significant roster changes, retaining only two foreign players each.

Unicorns retain Finn Allen and express concern over the availability of Haris Rauf.

Washington Freedom secures rising T20 star Akeal Hosein and Marco Jansen.

Franchises are allowed to enlist 9 international players, with direct negotiations expected for further signings.

Domestic retentions will be finalized by February’s end ahead of the March domestic draft.