Cricket enthusiasts across the United States and beyond were treated to an unforgettable opening night as the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 kicked off in grand fashion at the iconic Oakland Coliseum. The event wasn’t just about the modern pyrotechnics of T20 cricket; it was a beautiful blend of the game’s storied past and its electrifying present, symbolizing MLC’s ambition to carve a permanent space in North American sport.
The evening began with a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of every cricket fan. In a special ceremonial gesture, West Indies fast bowling legends Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh—who terrorized batters in the late 20th century with their pace and bounce—rolled back the years by delivering the first balls of the tournament on a freshly laid pitch. Behind the stumps, keeping with the same agility that made him a household name, was none other than Australian wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist. Though there was no batter to face the fiery duo, the sight of these cricketing icons in action sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd. Ambrose, with his towering 6’7” frame, and Walsh, the first bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, reminded everyone of the Caribbean dominance of yesteryears, while Gilchrist’s infectious smile as he collected their deliveries was a nod to Australia’s golden era. This symbolic start wasn’t just a tribute to cricket’s rich history; it was a statement of intent from MLC to bridge generations and build a legacy in the US.
As the nostalgia settled, the focus swiftly shifted to the future of the game with a jaw-dropping performance that lit up the Coliseum. Finn Allen, the explosive New Zealand batter representing the San Francisco Unicorns, unleashed a T20 masterclass that will be etched in history. Blasting a staggering 151 runs off just 51 balls, Allen rewrote the record books with the fastest 150 in T20 cricket, the most sixes in a T20 innings (19), and the highest individual score in MLC history. His brutal assault powered the Unicorns to a mammoth total of 269/5, setting a new benchmark for the league’s highest team score. Each of his towering sixes seemed to echo MLC’s mission to capture the imagination of American fans who thrive on high-octane sport.
In reply, the Washington Freedom started with intent but crumbled under the sheer weight of the target. Despite a fiery opening stand, they were bowled out for a modest 146, handing San Francisco a commanding 123-run victory. Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 30, his variations bamboozling the Freedom batters on a pitch that offered something for everyone. This match was a stark reminder of T20 cricket’s unpredictable nature and the kind of entertainment MLC promises to deliver.
As the dust settles on this blockbuster opening night, MLC 2025 has already set the tone for what lies ahead. With over 10,000 fans packing the Oakland Coliseum—unheard of for cricket in the US just a few years ago—the league is tapping into a growing appetite for the sport. The presence of legends like Ambrose, Walsh, and Gilchrist alongside emerging stars like Finn Allen paints a picture of a sport in transition, ready to embrace new frontiers. If this is just the beginning, cricket in America might just have found its big break.