Team USA’s Vice Captain Aaron Jones Returns to MLC as Domestic Draft Concludes

The Major League Cricket (MLC) has completed its Domestic Supplementary Draft, filling the remaining roster spots for the upcoming season. Team USA’s Aaron Jones, Chaitanya Bishnoi, and Sunny Patel were the three lucky players selected. The draft comes after a successful inaugural MLC season and on the heels of Team USA’s impressive performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Jones Back with the Seattle Orcas

Team USA vice-captain Aaron Jones secured a familiar spot with the Seattle Orcas. Jones, a top-order batsman, was a key player for the Orcas in the inaugural MLC season. His recent heroics with Team USA in the T20 World Cup, including a crucial performance in the historic win over Pakistan, undoubtedly influenced the Orcas’ decision. 

Fans in Seattle can expect more of the same high-octane batting displays from Jones throughout the upcoming MLC season.

Chaitanya Bishnoi Joins LA Knight Riders

LA Knight Riders opted for Chaitanya Bishnoi, a 29-year-old top-order batsman and spin bowler. Bishnoi boasts an impressive cricketing background, having played for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) before moving to the United States in 2023. 

He quickly made his mark on American cricket, featuring in all five matches for the San Francisco Unicorns in the inaugural MLC season and playing a pivotal role for the Dallas Xforia Giants in Minor League Cricket last year. Bishnoi’s versatility with both bat and ball promises to be an asset for the LA Knight Riders.

MI New York Welcomes Sunny Patel

Rounding out the draft picks is Sunny Patel, who joins the MI New York roster. Patel, a right-handed middle-order batsman and leg-spinner, impressed in the 2023 Minor League Cricket season. His all-around performance was instrumental in leading the New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers to the Championship match. 

Patel brings a unique skill set to MI New York, becoming their sole domestic leg-spinner for the upcoming season, adding variety to their bowling attack.

Enthusiasm for Domestic Talent

Major League Cricket Tournament Director, Justin Geale, expressed his delight at the selection of these talented domestic players. “We are thrilled to welcome Chaitanya, Aaron, and Sunny to the 2024 MLC season,” Geale said in a press release. “Major League Cricket plays a critical role in developing domestic players and providing a pathway to play cricket at the highest level.”

The second season of MLC kicks off on July 5th with a doubleheader. Reigning champions MI New York will face the Seattle Orcas in Morrisville, North Carolina, followed by the Texas Super Kings taking on the LA Knight Riders in Grand Prairie, Texas. With sell-out crowds witnessed during the inaugural season, MLC is encouraging fans to secure their tickets early for the upcoming season. Ticket options cater to a wide range of budgets, with general admission starting at $30.

The excitement extends beyond the on-field action. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment, fireworks, giveaways, player meet-and-greets, merchandise opportunities, food trucks, and more throughout the tournament. With the addition of these talented domestic players and a focus on fan engagement, the second season of Major League Cricket promises to be an exciting one.

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