Steve Smith is a candidate to represent the Washington Freedom in the MLC in 2024. NSW players Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, and Ben Dwarshuis will take part in the inaugural MLC.
The flashy Australian hitter Steve Smith is probably going to be a contender for the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2024. Notably, Texas Super Kings vs. LA Knight Riders at Texas’ Grand Prairie Stadium will serve as the opening match of the MLC’s inaugural season on Friday, July 14.
As the franchise has a high-performance agreement with New South Wales. Own by businessman Sanjay Govil, Michael Klinger, and Greg Shipperd. Smith represents Washington Freedom as its brand ambassador to the uninitiated. Also holding comparable positions with the franchise in the MLC are the director of men’s cricket and the head coach of the NSW.
Michael Klinger, a former Australian cricketer and co-owner of the MLC team, spoke candidly about Steve Smith’s relationship with the NSW and how he and Moises Henriques can help the Washington Freedom in the years to come.
“Steve (Smith) has strong ties to Sydney Sixers and New South Wales. He played five outstanding games in the most recent BBL, so it’s terrific to have him on board as an ambassador to support the club. According to Klinger, he will significantly raise the Washington Freedom’s profile.
“Some of his best mates, the New South Wales guys, are playing in the team, like [captain] Moises Henriques, and to be able to promote
the Freedom with someone of Steve’s stature is going to be great for us. We absolutely hope that it will be a long-term partnership, and we’ll watch how things develop,” he continued.
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Got few NSW players who we’d certainly be interested in chatting to: Michael Klinger
“It will be excellent for us to be able to promote the Freedom with someone of Steve’s status,” said [captain] Moises Henriques. “Some of his best friends, the New South Wales players, are playing in the team. We absolutely hope that it will be a long-term partnership, and we’ll watch how things develop,” he continued.
Klinger continued by saying that he intends to get a few prominent NSW players to go up with the Washington Freedom squad for the MLC’s second season.
“We have a number of really talented New South Wales players that we would definitely be interested in speaking with. You have Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc available. Currently, Sean Abbott is also a part of that organization. Along with our existing high-profile international projects from this year, we have some really attractive choices for next year; perhaps we can keep some of them as well, added Klinger.
It is important to note that the NSW players that will compete in the MLC’s inaugural season are Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, and Josh Philippe. On Saturday, July 15, Washington plays the Seattle Orcas in their inaugural game of the year.
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