In a star-studded event at the Oakland Coliseum, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Jay Shah graced the stands to spectate a captivating double-header of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season on Sunday. The event not only showcased high-octane cricket action but also provided a platform for meaningful interactions between cricketing luminaries, team owners, and stakeholders of this rapidly growing T20 league in the United States.
Jay Shah, a pivotal figure in global cricket administration, was seen engaging in deep conversations with key personalities shaping the MLC landscape. Among the notable moments captured, Shah was photographed alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan, whose sister franchise Texas Super Kings (TSK) clinched a commanding 57-run victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in the first match of the day. This win marked TSK’s second triumph in the tournament, bolstering their position in the points table.
Shah also shared moments with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore, whose MLC team LAKR continues to search for their maiden win this season. The ICC chief’s presence added a layer of significance to the event, underlining the global attention MLC is garnering as a premier T20 competition. In another frame, Shah was seen in discussion with Satyan Gajwani, Vice-Chairman of Times Internet, and Anurag Jain, co-owner of TSK, highlighting the business and strategic synergies driving the league forward.
The day was further elevated by Shah’s interactions with cricketing royalty, including legends like Anil Kumble, the spin wizard from India; Adam Gilchrist, Australia’s iconic wicketkeeper-batsman; and Courtney Walsh, the West Indian fast-bowling great. These moments underscored the blend of past glory and present ambition that defines MLC’s ethos, as it seeks to establish itself as a powerhouse in the American sports market.
On the field, the second match of the double-header saw the San Francisco Unicorns continue their dominant run with a thrilling three-wicket victory over defending champions MI New York. This result solidified the Unicorns’ position at the top of the MLC points table, unbeaten so far in the 2025 campaign. With a blend of international stars and local talent, including standout performances from players with IPL and Big Bash experience, the Unicorns are emerging as favorites to lift the title.
Factually, MLC’s growth trajectory is noteworthy. Launched in 2023, the league has already expanded its footprint across major U.S. cities, with six franchises backed by prominent IPL owners and global investors. The Oakland Coliseum, primarily known for baseball and American football, hosting such a high-profile cricket event signifies the sport’s burgeoning popularity in North America—a market the ICC is keen to tap under Jay Shah’s leadership.
As the MLC 2025 season progresses, the presence of figures like Jay Shah not only elevates the league’s credibility but also signals a broader vision for cricket’s globalization. With packed stands, electrifying matches, and strategic discussions off the field, Sunday’s double-header was a testament to the bright future of cricket in the United States. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as Shah and the ICC continue to champion initiatives that could make cricket a household name across the Atlantic.