Latest news with #LAKnightRiders
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Unmukt Chand rejuvenates his cricket career with the L.A. Knight Riders
After captaining India to an Under-19 World Cup title in 2012 — with arguably the finest performance of his life — Unmukt Chand struggled to even watch his country play on TV. After donning the royal blue and molten orange jersey as part of India A — the second rung of the national team ladder — Chand's performance dipped and his name eventually disappeared from the game-day roster for his home state team in Delhi Advertisement After donning the royal blue and molten orange jersey as part of India's A — or second-best — national team, Chand struggled and eventually fell off the game-day roster for his home state team in Delhi. After years gunning for India's main team, Chand found himself circling the fringes. His early stardom never quite translated into a stable senior career as opportunities dried up in a system overflowing with talent. By 2021, the dream was still alive, but the runway had faded and Chand decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. 'To let go of that feeling was something which took me time, and obviously I had to do my own catharsis. I had self-identity doubts,' Chand said. Unmukt Chand revived his cricket career when he moved to the United States and eventually joined Major League Cricket's L.A. Knight Riders. (Andrew Hancock/For The Times) With the courage to start over, he unloaded his bags on American soil, where the pitch was still being laid. What the U.S. lacked in tradition, it made up for in potential, Chand said — seeing a future in a place that wasn't bound by his past. Advertisement 'We've all grown up watching American sports and the way they do sports activities, and everything around it is something very exciting,' Chand said, 'and something very different from a cricketing point of view.' Chand and his wife, Simran Khosla, settled on relocating to Dallas. It was a leap made solely for cricket — one that left Khosla without work, stability or anything resembling certainty. In 2019, American Cricket Enterprises, the strategic partner of USA Cricket, pledged a $1-billion investment to jumpstart a professional T20 league in the country. T20 is a condensed, fast-paced format of the game. Read more: L.A. names coveted five provisional sports it wants to add for 2028 Olympics Advertisement That vision materialized in 2023 with the debut of Major League Cricket, featuring six privately owned franchises each backed by global investors, including some of cricket's most iconic brands. ESPNcricinfo reported that the league will expand to eight teams in 2027, with sights set on 10 by 2031. The goal? Hook American to a flashier style of cricket that emphasizes quick scoring, frequent momentum swings and just enough chaos to attract fans who couldn't tell a wicket from a walk-off. 'MLC is exciting — that's why it is attracting so many players — top players from around the world,' Chand said. 'The way they have done this competition is also very nice, the way teams are being made, the way the domestic and international representation is there.' While MLC's launch was delayed to 2022 due to COVID-19, ACE had already been courting Chand as the kind of marquee talent who could lend legitimacy and hype to the U.S.'s cricketing scene. L.A. Knight Riders batsman Unmukt Chand collects the ball during a Major League Cricket match against the Mumbai Indians New York on July 3 at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) He made his American debut in August 2021 with the Silicon Valley Strikers in Minor League Cricket, a developmental league aimed at growing the sport across the U.S. Advertisement 'We were his biggest fans,' said Natwar Agarwal, owner of the Strikers. 'We always heard about him, and it was like a dream come true — Unmukt Chand is here, and there's a possibility that he can play for our team.' You likely wouldn't have guessed that he'd just crossed nearly 8,000 miles or buried a dream that shaped his boyhood. Chand paced the league in runs per game, piling up 612 runs during 16 innings as he piloted his team to the inaugural Minor League Cricket title. 'Players like him, … showed that a good quality of cricket can happen in the U.S.,' Agarwal said. 'Still today, I get calls from players in India, Pakistan — they want to explore the opportunity where they can come here and play.' Read more: U.S. cricket team hopes to build on surprise run at T20 World Cup Advertisement Chand's championship summer opened doors around the world — including Australia and Bangladesh — but none felt quite like home until 2023, when he signed with Major League Cricket's Los Angeles Knight Riders, the American arm of one of cricket's most storied franchises. The organization, owned by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, brought a built-in international fan base and marketing muscle rarely seen in American cricket. For Chand, it was the break he'd been denied back home: a team that backed him, and a league that let him prove he still belonged at the top. 'Playing for a franchise like Knight Riders is something very special, and being in L.A. makes it big,' Chand said. 'L.A. holds a very special place — it's been a sporting capital with obviously the Lakers, and us now being a part of the same sporting ecosystem.' Advertisement He joined the Knight Riders as a top-order batsman in a locker room stocked with international firepower and helmed by Dwayne Bravo, a West Indies legend in the T20 format. Chand made good on it. Unmukt Chand, of the L.A. Knight Riders, is working to earn a spot on the U.S. national cricket team. (Andrew Hancock/For The Times) 'He's been doing really well for us over the years — he was a really great addition to our Knight Riders team,' said Ali Khan, Chand's teammate and a member of the U.S. national team. 'Always helpful and engaged in the field, and off the field as well, he's always there and helping the team.' The Knight Riders languished at the bottom of the table in 2025, where they had the past two seasons. But Chand's 33.6 run average this year offered a rare glint in an otherwise dull stretch. Advertisement He produced an unbeaten 86 runs off 58 balls to lift his team to one of its two victories this season, prompting Bravo to publicly endorse his star batsman for the U.S. national team. 'This guy deserves to be involved in USA cricket team! Cricket is bigger than politics, let's do right for these players. Well done!' Bravo wrote on an Instagram story. And yet, for Chand, a U.S. call-up remains elusive. He was left out of the 2024 T20 World Cup roster and passed over for multiple tours abroad. While Chand's domestic performances have been solid, selectors have said he has yet to shift the selection calculus in a system that might prioritize younger prospects. Advertisement Read more: LA28 announces Dodger Stadium among new 2028 Olympic venues, lineup nearly complete 'With the USA World Cup not happening for him, it was a little disappointing for us. Not little — very, because this is what we moved here for,' Khosla said. 'But he was at it even when things were not working for him — focusing on the process, going back to the basics, working hard, practicing more.' Though the lack of selection still stings, it's not unfamiliar for Chand. Adversity gave him a mindset he still leans on. The U.S. snubs haven't shaken him — his focus, he says, remains to 'perform wherever I can, make the best use of my opportunities and hopefully those things will happen sooner than later.' Advertisement Khosla, who met Chand during what she called his 'most struggling phase,' said his drive never faded — even when things felt bleak. What kept him going? His love for the game. 'Cricket is his religion,' Khosla said. 'Cricket is something I would call his first wife. … If you take out his blood, his blood would be cricket.' Chand, 32, speaks ambitiously about the future of American cricket — and his desire to be at the center of its development. The signs are there, he said: the growth of Major League Cricket, the influx of youth academies, the construction of stadiums and the promise of the sport being featured during the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Advertisement He came to the U.S. chasing a reimagined version of a childhood dream. He didn't need to rediscover the game — just needed a new place to keep feeding the fire. His journey is chronicled in a documentary that was recently selected for screening by the Dallas International Film Festival. 'U.S. is my new home, and I'm going to be here only,' Chand said. 'Playing for USA, playing MLC, playing other franchises around the world is the way to go forward. And cricket has definitely been on the rise. … I look forward to the next few years in USA. It's going to be exciting.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Boult stars as MI New York beat LA Knight Riders in MLC
Trent Boult claimed 4-17 before Nicholas Pooran hit an unbeaten 62 as MI New York cruised to an eight-wicket win over LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket's basement Kiwi quick Boult captured four of LA's top order as they were restricted to 154-8 from their 20 overs at Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, Rutherford was the only batter to make an impact for the Knight Riders as he whacked six sixes and five fours in his 44-ball 86 before he too was dismissed by Pollard stifled LA's hopes of boosting their total late on as the veteran Trinidadian franchise star bagged the wickets of his old West Indies team-mates Rovman Powell and Jason Holder en route to Narine (1-26) removed the dangerous Quinton de Kock for 11 to give LA hope at the start of MI's once Pooran overcame an uncharacteristically circumspect start, and settled in alongside Monank Patel, the total looked a formality for New York .The pair shared a 112-run stand for the second wicket before USA captain Patel chipped Andre Russell (1-43) into the hands of Powell at mid-off for a 44-ball hit six fours and two sixes in his 47-ball knock as he and Pollard, who clubbed two sixes in his 14 not out, got MI over the line with 13 balls to just one victory Knight Riders are bottom of the MLC standings with MI two points above them in fifth following just their second win of the season.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
MLC 2025: MI New York stay in playoff hunt with win over LA Knight Riders; LAKR on the brink
Trent Boult took four wickets in the match between MI New York and LA Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket. (Sportzpics) MI New York secured a crucial eight-wicket victory over LA Knight Riders in the 2025 Major League Cricket match, keeping their playoff hopes alive while pushing LAKR to the brink of elimination. The match saw MI New York's Nicholas Pooran and Monank Patel forge a match-winning partnership after Trent Boult 's exceptional bowling performance restricted LAKR to 154/8 in their 20 overs. Following a delayed start with the surface under covers, MI New York elected to bowl first. Trent Boult capitalised on the conditions, delivering a devastating spell in the powerplay by claiming three quick wickets. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Boult's first victim was Unmukt Chand, who was bowled first ball by an inswinger. Andre Russell, promoted to number three, managed a few boundaries before Boult dismissed him with a delivery that stayed low. Andre Fletcher became Boult's third victim as MI New York dominated the early proceedings. 00:38 MI New York: All You Need to Know | MLC 2025 Squad, Stars and Fixtures LAKR's innings struggled with multiple batsmen failing to make significant contributions. Saif Badar scored 7 off 16 balls, Rovman Powell managed 5 from 9 deliveries, and Jason Holder contributed just 4 runs from 6 balls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mantenha a massa muscular após os 50 [Veja como] Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo Sherfane Rutherford emerged as the lone warrior for LAKR, displaying exceptional batting skills on what appeared to be a challenging surface for others. He reached his fifty in just 22 balls, showcasing aggressive intent throughout his innings. Rutherford's innings of 86 runs came to an end in the penultimate over when Boult returned to claim his fourth wicket. His dismissal proved crucial as LAKR struggled to accelerate in the final overs, finishing at 154/8. MI New York's chase began cautiously after losing Quinton de Kock to Sunil Narine in the powerplay. The team managed only 39 runs in the first six overs before Monank Patel and Nicholas Pooran began to increase the scoring rate. Major League Cricket 2025 Explained: Teams, Schedule & Where to Watch LAKR missed a crucial opportunity when they failed to appeal for a caught behind when Pooran was on 15. This proved costly as both batsmen settled in and began finding boundaries regularly. The partnership between Pooran and Monank grew in confidence with both reaching their half-centuries. Their century stand was eventually broken by Andre Russell, but the damage was already done. Kieron Pollard ensured a smooth finish for MI New York with consecutive sixes, guiding the team to victory with 13 balls to spare. Pooran remained unbeaten on 62 while Monank Patel contributed 56 runs. The result has significant implications for the playoff race. LAKR's position becomes precarious, with their elimination possible even before their next match if Seattle Orcas win their upcoming game. Brief scores: LA Knight Riders 154/8 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 86; Trent Boult 4/17, Kieron Pollard 2/15) lost to MI New York 155/2 in 17.5 overs (Nicholas Pooran 62*, Monank Patel 56) by 8 wickets. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
MLC 2025: Washington Freedom survive last-ball thriller to create league history; inch closer to playoffs
Jason Holder nearly pulled off a win for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC against Washington Freedom. (Sportzpics) Washington Freedom secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over LA Knight Riders in Dallas, chasing down 214 runs on the final ball of the match to strengthen their playoff qualification hopes in MLC 2025. Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar guided Freedom to victory in dramatic fashion, with Holder dropping a crucial catch at mid-on off the last delivery that would have sealed the game for Knight Riders. The Knight Riders posted a formidable total of 213/4 in their 20 overs, anchored by Andre Fletcher 's explosive century. Fletcher, who replaced Alex Hales in the lineup, scored 104 runs off 60 balls, featuring seven fours and six sixes. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Fletcher formed a commanding opening partnership with Unmukt Chand, who contributed 41 runs off 30 balls. The duo put on 130 runs in just 74 deliveries to set the foundation for a big score. LA Knight Riders: All You Need to Know | MLC 2025 Squad, Stars & Fixtures The Knight Riders' innings maintained momentum with quick-fire contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (20 off 11), Jason Holder (11 off 6), and Andre Russell (30 not out off 13). The team collected 59 runs in the final five overs, with Fletcher being tactically retired out with two overs remaining. Freedom's chase began explosively with Mitchell Owen taking charge. Owen scored 43 runs off just 16 balls, including multiple boundaries off Ali Khan and Holder, helping the team reach 73/1 in the powerplay. The middle overs saw Glenn Maxwell (42 off 23) and Andreas Gous keeping Freedom ahead of the required rate. However, the Knight Riders fought back through Holder and Tanveer Sangha, who claimed crucial wickets to put pressure on the batting side. Phillips and Pienaar came together with Freedom needing 60 runs from the final six overs. The pair managed the chase effectively, taking calculated risks and maintaining the required scoring rate. Mitchell Owens scored a rapid 16-ball 43 runs at the top of the order for Washington Freedom against Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC. (Sportzpics) The match went down to the final over with Freedom needing seven runs. Russell bowled exceptionally well, despite conceding a wide and a boundary early in the over, taking the game to the last ball. The dramatic finish saw Holder unable to hold onto a catch at mid-on off the final delivery, allowing Phillips and Pienaar to scramble the winning run. The victory moved Freedom to second place in the standings, ahead of Texas Super Kings. "Andre Russell and Jason Holder lay in disbelief as Washington Freedom eked out a five-wicket win over the LA Knight Riders in a high-scoring, last-ball thriller in Dallas." "Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar took Washington Freedom over the line." "Fletcher was even retired out as a tactical move with 12 balls to spare, which Russell and Holder hit for 23 runs." Major League Cricket 2025 Explained: Teams, Schedule & Where to Watch "With one needed of one, Jason Holder brought all his fielders in to stop the single, but ended up dropping a catch that came his way at mid-on, that ballooned up off his hands. He couldn't hold onto it on second attempt after putting in a dive, as Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar took the match-winning single." Brief Scores: LA Knight Riders 213/4 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 104, Unmukt Chand 41; Ian Holland 2-25) lost to Washington Freedom 214/5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 43, Glenn Maxwell 42, Glenn Phillips 33*; Tanveer Sangha 2-35) by 5 wickets Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
MLC 2025: Shubham Ranjane, Donovan Ferreira star as TSK return to winning ways; thrash LAKR by 52 runs
Shubham Ranjane of Texas Super Kingsplay a shot during match 15 of the Cognizant Major League Cricket season 3 between Texas Super Kings and LA Knight Riders held at the Grand Prairie cricket stadium, Grand Prairie, United States of America (USA). (SPortzpics) Riding on a steady knock from Shubham Ranjane and a quickfire cameo from Donovan Ferreira, the Texas Super Kings (TSK) defeated the LA Knight Riders (LAKR) by 52 runs at Dallas' Grand Prairie Stadium. Batting first, TSK posted 196 for 8, and their bowlers then restricted LAKR to 144 for 7. LAKR struck early as Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed three wickets in his opening spell during the powerplay. Having lost three of his partners rather quickly, Smit Patel set about rebuilding the innings with a sublime Shubham Ranjane at the other end. The pair added 66 off 46 deliveries for the fourth wicket before Andre Russell accounted for Patel when he tried to scoop him down to the fine leg boundary. It was a relief for TSK when Ranjane found timely support in the swashbuckling Donovan Ferreira, who wasted no time in launching an onslaught by dispatching Ali Khan for back-to-back boundaries in the 14th over. Ferreira's dominance extended further when he took on Andre Russell in his third over, disrupting what had otherwise been a tidy spell for the Jamaican all-rounder. Ferreira and Ranjane's late flurry meant the Super Kings added 72 runs in the last 5 overs to finish with a commanding total. MLC 2025: Faf du Plessis on why cricket's American dream is just getting started In response, the Texan bowling line-up maintained the momentum, making life difficult for the Knight Riders' top order. TSK's decision to bring in Akeal Hosein proved fruitful, as the left-arm spinner struck in his first over, removing the out-of-form Alex Hales and Nitish Kumar off successive deliveries. These wickets dented LAKR's morale and left them struggling to keep up with the rising required run rate. Ultimately, the mounting pressure proved too much for the LA Knight Riders, as the TSK bowlers continued to pick wickets at regular intervals. Noor Ahmad, TSK's standout bowler this season, returned to form with figures of 2 for 27 in his 4 overs, including a beauty to dismiss Andre Russell. Brief Scores TSK: 196/8 in 20 overs (Shubham Ranjane 70, Donovan Ferreira 43, Smit Patel 38; Andre Russell 3/37) LAKR: 144/7 in 20 overs (Unmukt Chand 30, Jason Holder 26; Akeal Hosein 2/10, Noor Ahmad 2/27) Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
