MLC 2025: Washington Freedom’s Jason Behrendorff Sidelined by Injury
In a significant blow to the defending champions Washington Freedom, their ace Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season due to an undisclosed injury. The franchise confirmed the news on Monday, expressing their disappointment while wishing the seasoned pacer a swift recovery.
‘Jason Behrendorff will not be available for the rest of Cognizant Major League Cricket Season 3 due to an injury,’ the team stated in an official release. ‘His energy and vast experience will be sorely missed on the field. We wish Jason a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action with us next season. A replacement for Jason will be announced in due course.’
Behrendorff, who turned 34 in April 2024, has been a key figure in international and franchise cricket. Having represented Australia in 17 T20 Internationals and 12 One-Day Internationals, the left-arm quick is known for his ability to swing the ball at pace, making him a vital asset in the shortest format. His recent stint in the SA20 league with Pretoria Capitals saw him claim 2 wickets in 3 matches, showcasing his knack for delivering under pressure despite limited game time.
Washington Freedom, who clinched the title in the previous MLC season, have had a mixed start to their 2025 campaign, winning 1 out of their first 2 matches. Behrendorff’s absence could pose a challenge to their title defense, as his experience in high-stakes tournaments like the Big Bash League (BBL)—where he won 4 titles with Perth Scorchers over a glittering 13-year, 106-game career—would have been invaluable.
Earlier this year, Behrendorff made headlines by announcing his retirement from state cricket after a remarkable 16-year tenure with Western Australia. His decision came shortly after leaving Perth Scorchers, where he finished as the BBL’s leading wicket-taker last season, to sign a lucrative three-year deal with Melbourne Renegades. Reflecting on his retirement, Behrendorff cited personal reasons as a driving factor. ‘It played a huge part in my decision to step away from state cricket,’ he said. ‘With international commitments and franchise leagues keeping me away, I want to be home more for my kids, to do things like school pick-ups and drop-offs, and spend quality time with my wife, Juvelle. Family life is my priority now.’
As Washington Freedom prepares to name a replacement for their injured star, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the team adapts to this setback. Will the defending champions find the right balance to continue their winning momentum, or will Behrendorff’s absence prove too costly? Only time will tell, but for now, the cricketing world sends its best wishes to Jason Behrendorff for a quick return to full fitness.