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Renowned for his blistering pace and devastating bouncers, Lockie Ferguson, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, is embracing the rapid rise of the sport in the United States. Currently representing Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC), Ferguson recently engaged with fans at a community event hosted by Verizon in Cary, North Carolina.
Having previously played for the LA team, Ferguson expressed enthusiasm about his return to MLC with a new franchise.
“It's unbelievable. I played last year with the LA team, really enjoyed my time here. Once again, I've come back with a different team, but the franchise has been great.”
Cricket’s Rising Popularity in the U.S.
Ferguson highlighted the growing interest in cricket among American fans, emphasizing their passionate support.
“Even from last year, so many fans came to the grounds. Even the opening game, I wasn't sure how many would come, but it was incredible.”
He also acknowledged the U.S. team’s impressive showing at the recent World Cup, viewing it as a clear indicator of the sport’s potential in the country.
“I think it's got a lot of potential, so I'm very happy.”
Encouraging fans to continue their enthusiasm, he added:
“We hear you guys all through the socials! So keep supporting us, we’ll keep doing our best on the field.”
Ferguson’s Remarkable Cricketing Journey
Ferguson has established himself as a dominant force in international cricket. His career took off in 2017 when he was signed by the Rising Pune Supergiants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Later, he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (2019) and was acquired by the Gujarat Titans (2022). He also made his way into Royal Challengers Bengaluru and now has been roped in by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025.
A Key Player for New Zealand
Ferguson made his One Day International (ODI) debut for New Zealand in 2016 against Australia and followed it up with a T20 International (T20I) debut against Bangladesh just a month later. He immediately made history, taking wickets with his first two deliveries, becoming only the second player to achieve this rare feat.
His breakthrough came in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played a vital role in New Zealand’s campaign, securing his 50th ODI wicket and finishing as one of the tournament’s standout performers. Recognizing his impact, the ICC named him the rising star of the squad and included him in the Team of the Tournament.
Leadership and Setbacks
In September 2023, Ferguson was entrusted with captaincy duties, leading New Zealand in an ODI series against Bangladesh. However, his career has seen its share of setbacks, including a foot injury in early 2025 that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy.
Looking Ahead
Despite injury challenges, Ferguson remains a vital asset to New Zealand cricket and a key player in Major League Cricket. As cricket continues to expand its footprint in the U.S., players like Ferguson are helping fuel the sport’s growth, captivating a new generation of fans. His presence in MLC, along with increasing American interest in the game, signals a promising future for cricket in the country.
