Los Angeles Knight Riders Win Maiden MLC Title, Deliver 10th Trophy for Knight Riders Sports

LAKR Clinch Historic Maiden Major League Cricket Crown

Los Angeles, July 19, 2026: Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) scripted history by winning their maiden Major League Cricket (MLC) title after defeating Washington Freedom by just one run in a dramatic final, securing the 10th major trophy for Knight Riders Sports across its global cricket franchises.

The victory extends a remarkable run for the Knight Riders family, with one of its franchises lifting a major title in each of the last three years — the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2025 and now Major League Cricket in 2026.

The championship also caps a landmark year for LAKR, which witnessed the inauguration of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles, further strengthening Knight Riders Sports' long-term commitment to developing cricket infrastructure in the United States.

Sunil Narine Stars as LAKR Edge Nail-Biting Final

Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine once again proved his value on the biggest stage, producing a match-winning spell of 3/13 to dismantle Washington Freedom's top order. Narine, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 MLC season, struck three times during the powerplay to put LAKR firmly in control.

Captain Jason Holder also made a crucial contribution with figures of 3/31, while Shadley van Schalkwyk held his nerve in a tense final over to defend 14 runs.

After conceding a six off the opening delivery of the last over, Van Schalkwyk bounced back brilliantly by dismissing Obus Pienaar and Ian Holland before restricting Washington Freedom to only two singles from the final two balls. A run-out on the last delivery while attempting a second run that would have forced a Super Over sealed a memorable one-run victory for LAKR.

Andre Fletcher and Colin Munro Lead the Batting Effort

Opting to bat first, Los Angeles Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 164.

• Andre Fletcher – 47
• Colin Munro – 40
• Tromp – 39

The trio laid the foundation for a defendable score before the bowling attack completed the job in dramatic fashion.

Holder's Promise Fulfilled

The title triumph also fulfilled the ambitious target set by LAKR captain Jason Holder before the season began.

"We want to win the trophy. Anything short of that would be a disappointing season," Holder had said ahead of the campaign.

Months later, Los Angeles Knight Riders delivered on that promise by lifting their first-ever Major League Cricket title.

Knight Riders Continue Global Success Story

The victory marks another major milestone in the continued expansion of Knight Riders Sports, whose global franchises have now collected 10 major trophies.

Sunil Narine and Andre Russell also achieved a unique personal feat, becoming part of three consecutive title-winning campaigns for Knight Riders franchises across three different years and leagues, underlining their enduring importance to the franchise's sustained success worldwide.

(Inputs from Press Release)