bbc-north.co.uk – Daily Features & Must-Read News

American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) has strongly opposed USA Cricket's (USAC) decision to end their 50-year agreement, deeming it unlawful and a potential threat to cricket's growth in the US. ACE, having invested over $150 million in developing the sport, accuses USAC of acting on personal agendas.

After struggling in the first two Major League Cricket (MLC) seasons, Unmukt Chand has finally found his feet in the US, where he moved to live his ultimate dream: “to play for the US national team.” The right-handed batter has scored 243 runs in seven innings and is sixth on the list of top run-getters in the ongoing MLC 2025.

The Seattle Orcas showcased their strong batting prowess by successfully chasing down a 200-plus target against the Los Angeles Knight Riders, securing a five-wicket victory and marking their second consecutive win in MLC 2025. Aaron Jones and Shimron Hetmyer led the charge with impressive scores, overshadowing Andre Russell's unbeaten 65 for the Knight Riders.

In a Major League Cricket 2025 stunner, Shayan Jahangir survived a bowled dismissal against Jason Holder as the bail refused to fall. Despite Jahmar Hamilton's late hitting, the Unicorns lost to Washington Freedom by 12 runs. Xavier Bartlett's four wickets initially restricted Freedom, but Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar propelled them to 169.

Shimron Hetmyer's explosive unbeaten 97 propelled the Seattle Orcas to a thrilling three-wicket victory over MI New York in a high-scoring affair. Chasing a daunting 238, Hetmyer's last-ball six sealed the highest successful run chase in MLC history. Nicholas Pooran's earlier unbeaten century for MI New York went in vain as Seattle snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Washington Freedom clinched the top spot in the 2025 Major League Cricket, narrowly edging out Texas Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns. MI New York secured the final playoff berth despite a lackluster performance, capitalising on the struggles of Seattle Orcas and Los Angeles Knight Riders. The playoffs, featuring intense matchups, will be held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.