|| CF DESK ||

Major League Cricket, a newly established T20 tournament in the US, has achieved official List A status from the International Cricket Council, marking a significant milestone for the sport in North America.

With plans to expand from six to ten teams, MLC aims to elevate cricket's profile in the competitive US sports market, which is currently dominated by basketball, baseball, and American football.

"We are really excited for the news as it's a recognition of the standard and high quality of players taking part in the tournament," tournament director Justin Geale told ESPNcricinfo.

"By awarding MLC List A status for the upcoming season, it acknowledges the strength and growing stature of the tournament and ultimately will help to enhance the credibility of the sport in the USA on a global scale."

The US is co-hosting this year's men's T20 World Cup with West Indies and the 2024 MLC will start on 5 July, a week after the global tournament ends

Recently, Shakib Al Hasan joined LA Knight Riders for the 2024 MLC.