The 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season is currently underway in the United States, showcasing an exciting phase of franchise Twenty20 cricket aimed at popularizing the sport in a traditionally non-cricketing nation. Established in 2019 by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), MLC has grown steadily, with its third season featuring an expanded schedule and intense competition among six franchises, including the San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas.
The San Francisco Unicorns have emerged as one of the standout teams this season. After being finalists last year, they have maintained an unbeaten run in 2025, winning all five of their matches so far and sitting atop the points table. The Unicorns have the advantage of playing on the west coast, having secured a home stadium in the Bay Area for the first time this season after two years of neutral venues. Their squad, led by captain Corey Anderson and coached by Shane Watson, boasts a blend of international and domestic talent, with key players like Finn Allen and Haris Rauf delivering match-winning performances. For instance, in a recent game against the Seattle Orcas at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Finn Allen powered the Unicorns to a commanding total with a whirlwind 84 off 38 balls, while Haris Rauf took three crucial wickets, helping the Unicorns secure a 41-run victory and extend their winning streak to six matches.
On the other hand, the Seattle Orcas have struggled to find form this season. Despite having experienced players such as captain Heinrich Klaasen and international stars like David Warner and Shimron Hetmyer, the Orcas have yet to register a win, losing all four of their matches leading up to their clash with the Unicorns. This has put them in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their campaign has been marked by flashes of individual brilliance but a lack of consistency and the inability to close out tight games. The Orcas are coached by Matthew Mott and are eager to turn their fortunes around as the season progresses.
The 2025 MLC season has been designed to avoid scheduling conflicts with other major T20 leagues, running from mid-June to July, and features an expanded format with 34 games compared to 19 in previous seasons. This growth reflects the league’s ambition to establish cricket as a mainstream sport in the U.S., attracting international talent and building local interest. The presence of global stars alongside American players has enhanced the league’s competitiveness and entertainment value.
Matches like the one between the San Francisco Unicorns and Seattle Orcas highlight the rising standard of cricket in the U.S. The Unicorns’ aggressive batting and disciplined bowling have set the benchmark, while the Orcas continue to search for the right combination to challenge the top teams. The league’s venues, including the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, provide a professional setting that supports the sport’s growth domestically.
In summary,
the Major League Cricket 2025 season is a pivotal chapter in the development of cricket in the United States. The San Francisco Unicorns have asserted themselves as the team to beat with an unbeaten run and strong performances from stars like Finn Allen and Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, the Seattle Orcas are battling to revive their campaign and secure their first win. As the season approaches its midpoint, the competition intensifies, promising thrilling cricket action and expanding the sport’s footprint in America