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MLC team Washington Freedom Owner Sanjay Govil shared his thoughts on MLC's expansion, cricket's rising growth and passion for the game in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak's Vikrant Gupta.
Washington Freedom, owned by Sanjay Govil, is making waves in Major League Cricket (MLC). Coached by Ricky Ponting and led by Australian legend Steve Smith, the team secured the 2024 MLC Championship with a dominant 96-run victory over the San Francisco Unicorns in the final.
The US-based tech entrepreneur also has a minority stake in Welsh Fire, the Cardiff-based team in the Hundred.
When asked which three Indian players he would want to see play for his MLC franchise, Washington Freedom, or The Hundred-based Welsh Fire, Sanjay Govil told to Sports Tak's Vikrant Gupta, “Obviously Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Virat Kohli.”
The Role of IPL and BCCI in Cricket’s Expansion
Govil acknowledged the massive impact of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the global cricketing landscape. He emphasized the need for more countries to actively participate in cricket to enhance its international appeal.
“The IPL has set a big trend, and the leadership of BCCI, which is now in the ICC, is amazing. But my only request is that we have to have more countries playing cricket, which is going to make it an even stronger international sport. And MLC is moving in that direction, along with The Hundred.”
Infrastructure as a Key Factor for MLC’s Growth
Govil highlighted that improving infrastructure and playing conditions is essential for MLC’s long-term success.
“If your grounds get better, I believe that people followed MLC last year, and this year it will grow even more. If the grounds, infrastructure, and playing conditions improve, you never know—we could easily break into the top 3-4 leagues of the world.”
MLC’s Position in the Global Cricket Hierarchy
While IPL remains unparalleled, Govil positioned MLC as a rising force in global cricket.
“I think, obviously, IPL is untouched. If I have to rank leagues, I would say MLC is in the second tier, but if I had to pick within that, I would place it in the third tier.”
MLC and The Hundred: The Future of Franchise Cricket
Govil predicts that among emerging leagues, MLC and The Hundred will be the most significant in the coming years.
“I think the two main leagues will be MLC and The Hundred. That’s my prediction. Maybe I am biased because I have seen both.”
American Investors and the Changing Perception of Cricket
Govil noted that American investment in cricket is shifting the sport’s perception, making teams valuable assets akin to stocks or cryptocurrency. He cited Mumbai Indians’ acquisition of Oval Invincibles and the involvement of US investors, including NFL legend Tom Brady, in Birmingham Phoenix as key examples.
“The Hundred, a cricket league in the UK, features eight teams. Mumbai Indians acquired Oval Invincibles, while a US investment group secured Birmingham Phoenix. One of their members is Tom Brady, the legendary American football player with seven Super Bowl titles. This shift highlights that cricket teams are now seen as valuable assets, much like stocks and cryptocurrency.”
Indian Players in MLC and The Hundred: A Wishlist?
Govil expressed his belief that Indian players should have the opportunity to play in overseas leagues. However, he respects BCCI’s stance on restricting active players from participating in non-IPL franchise leagues.
“Obviously, everyone wants Indian players to have that opportunity. But I respect that BCCI's decisions are based on logic.”
He pointed out that retired Indian players, such as Dinesh Karthik, have started participating in overseas leagues and hinted at the possibility of more players following suit.
“You have noticed that players who have retired, like Dinesh Karthik, are now playing in other leagues. It has also been heard that other retired players will join soon. Additionally, some Indian-origin players, like Unmukt Chand and Harmeet Singh, are already playing abroad.”
Govil also hinted that Washington Freedom might sign experienced Indian players like Shikhar Dhawan in the future, reinforcing MLC’s growing appeal.
With Govil’s ambitious vision and growing American interest in cricket, MLC’s trajectory appears promising, setting the stage for further expansion and international recognition.
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