The 2025 Minor League Cricket season is already underway, and just a couple of days in, fans have seen why this season promises to be one of the most competitive yet. With several Major League Cricket stars joining MiLC squads, the level of play is higher than ever. From defending champions and consistent performers to ambitious newcomers, here are some standout teams to watch for this season:
Chicago Kingsmen
Reigning champions from 2024, the Kingsmen entered this season confident of defending their title, boasting a strong squad with significant MLC experience including all-rounders Hassan Khan and Tajinder Singh, and left-arm pacer Zia ul Haq. Tajinder Singh showed his destructive power in MLC 2025 with a blistering 95 off 35 balls for MI New York, while Hassan Khan was a consistent performer for San Francisco Unicorns. Their campaign has begun with a defeat against the new Kings XI Dallas, but as a squad full of proven winners, the Kingsmen will be expected to bounce back.
East Bay Blazers
One of MiLC’s most promising teams, the Blazers made the playoffs in 2023 before finishing runners-up last year. They’ve retained key talents like Rushil Ugarkar — the 2025 MLC Best U23 Player of the Tournament and their leading wicket-taker in 2024 — along with Sanjay Krishnamurthi, who shone for San Francisco Unicorns in MLC 2025. Already, the Blazers have flexed their strength this season, with Sandeep Ganesh smashing the 2025 season’s first century in their opener to underline why they’ll once again be title contenders.
Kings XI Dallas
MiLC’s new addition for 2025 has already made a statement. Kings XI Dallas debuted with an impressive win over the defending champions Chicago Kingsmen, showing their potential to compete at the highest level from the outset. With a lineup featuring Corey Anderson, Ali Sheikh, Andries Gous, Obus Pienaar, and Unmukt Chand, they possess a wealth of MLC experience, and their early success suggests their first season could be a strong one.
Silicon Valley Strikers
Led by the experienced Saurabh Netravalkar, MLC’s leading wicket-taker in 2024, the Strikers have been one of the most reliable sides in MiLC, winning the inaugural title in 2021 and following it up with playoffs spots in 2022 and 2023 seasons. This year, they’ve hit the ground running with two straight wins, including a standout spell from Netravalkar against Los Angeles Lashings that reminded everyone of his match-winning ability. Once again, the Strikers look like a team built for deep playoff contention.
New Jersey Stallions
The Stallions have proven their mettle in MiLC consistently by reaching the Final of the tournament in 2021 and making it to the Playoffs in 2022 and 2024. Featuring MLC talents like Saiteja Mukkamalla and Jasdeep Singh, they will remain a force to be reckoned with this year as well. Their season has started brightly, with Mukkamalla already producing an all-round performance against New England Eagles to lead the way, suggesting New Jersey will be firmly in contention once again.
Seattle Thunderbolts
Winning the Championship in 2022, The Thunderbolts displayed their ability as a top team when they made the playoffs again last year. Their strength has long been a balanced attack, and they’ve been bolstered again by the return of Shadley van Schalkwyk, a reliable bowler for Los Angeles Knight Riders in MLC 2025. This season hasn’t started smoothly, with two defeats, but their history of resilience means Seattle remain a dangerous team.
San Ramon Grizzlies
Formerly the Golden State Grizzlies, who made it to the Pacifc Conference Final in 2021, they rebranded this year with a new long-term vision. While they might not have started the season as expected,losing their opener against Silicon Valley Strikers, they have experienced contenders in Aaron Johnson, Ayan Desai, Harish Kakani and Rahul Jariwala to remain competitive this season.
Metroplex Tracers
Rebranded from the Houston Hurricanes, who made it to the Semis in the 2021 season, the Tracers wasted no time making themselves known in 2025. They’ve added Shubham Ranjane, a consistent batter in MLC, and Nosthush Kenjige, who has already delivered with the ball this season. Their opening matches have shown firepower at both ends, making them one of the more dangerous sides in the Central Division.
Dallas Xforia Giants
The Giants made it to the playoffs in the previous season, demonstrating strength with both bat and ball improving on their record in 2023. With experienced players like Smit Patel, Harmeet Singh, and Ehsan Adil in the squad, they once again have the cards to challenge other sides. Their start this year has been slower than hoped, but with their core of proven performers, they remain a team capable of a turnaround.
Morrisville Raptors
The Raptors have consistently been in the playoff mix, making appearances in 2022 and 2024, establishing Church Street Park as a home for cricket in the region. They are strengthened by experienced U.S stars like Aaron Johnson and Raj Nannan who will be accompanied by exciting new talent as they commence their hunt for another amazing season.
How To Watch The Action Live
All games will be streamed live on the MLC Network YouTube channel. You can also follow live scores here or follow MiLC’s social media throughout the season.
MiLC: More Than a League
The early days of the 2025 season have already delivered a taste of the competition’s depth, with youngsters making full use of the opportunity and seasoned contenders reaffirming their strength. But MiLC is more than just results on the field- it’s the foundation of American cricket’s growth. By developing young players, supporting local communities, and feeding talent into Major League Cricket and the national team, MiLC is shaping the sport’s future in the U.S. If the start of this season is any indication, fans are in for another thrilling year of cricketing excellence.
