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MI New York have unveiled a significant overhaul to their squad ahead of the 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC), signaling their intent to return to title contention. Among the marquee signings are South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock and Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Rebuilding After a Mixed 2024
After a fairy-tale championship run in their debut MLC season in 2023, MI New York endured a tough campaign in 2024, despite fielding a star-studded core. With the likes of Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Rashid Khan, expectations were high, but the team failed to click consistently.
In response, the franchise has opted for a squad reset, making strategic changes by offloading several big names and investing in fresh talent.
Quinton de Kock Returns to the MI Fold
One of the strongest talking points is undoubtedly the return of Quinton de Kock, who rejoins the MI family four years after he last represented Mumbai Indians in the IPL. The two-time IPL champion brings with him a wealth of experience and explosive top-order firepower, something that MI New York sorely missed last season.
Since his withdrawal from international cricket in 2024, the left-hander played regularly in T20 leagues all over the globe, and his presence would stabilize and energize the top order.
Omarzai and Naveen Bring Afghan Firepower
Together with De Kock is Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai, recently crowned ODI Player of the Year. Able to change games with both bat and ball, Omarzai adds balance and depth to the side. He'll be joined by compatriot Naveen-ul-Haq, who comes from Texas Super Kings to MI New York and bolsters their pace department.
Major Releases Make Room for New Era
Unsurprisingly, MI New York in a truly bold move has released key international names in their team, including Tim David, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and rising star Dewald Brevis. These decisions underscore the franchise's intentions of defining a new identity just ahead of the season.
In contrast to these transformations, the franchise chose to stick with the key international quartet of Pollard, Pooran, Rashid, and Boult, thus providing a stable base of experience and leadership.
Strengthening the Domestic Backbone
The international shake-up is accompanied by a renewed focus on domestic talent. MI New York have brought in Agni Chopra, Tejinder Dhillon, Sharad Lumba, and Kunwarjeet Singh to add depth to their local lineup. They will join retained domestic players Monank Patel, Nosthush Kenjige, and Heath Richards, with these players still being central to the team's plans.
