In a significant boost to their lineup, the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) have added Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to their roster for the second Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Shakib, known for his versatility and experience in T20 cricket, will join a squad already brimming with international stars.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Shakib Al Hasan will be part of an impressive lineup that includes renowned T20 players such as Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Roy, Spencer Johnson, and Unmukt Chand. The Knight Riders have also strengthened their local talent pool with recent additions like Adithya Ganesh, Derone Davis, Matthew Tromp, and Cirne Dry. This mix of seasoned internationals and promising local talent sets LAKR up as a formidable contender in the upcoming MLC season.
The Los Angeles Knight Riders are owned by the Knight Riders group, which also owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). Shakib has a long-standing relationship with the Knight Riders, having been a key player for KKR during their IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014.
A statement from the Knight Riders group expressed excitement over Shakib’s return, highlighting his vital contributions to past successes. “Shakib, of course, has a long-standing relationship with the Knight Riders family, having represented KKR in various phases – including our two championship [winning] seasons in 2012 and 2014. We can’t wait to see him turn up in Purple and Gold for LA Knight Riders this July,” the statement read.
The MLC player draft took place on March 21, 2024, and will be followed by another on June 16, allowing the six participating teams to finalize their squads. This year’s tournament will run from July 5 to July 29, promising a month of high-octane cricket action.
The season opener will feature a clash between MI New York and Seattle Orcas, the champions and runners-up of the inaugural MLC season. In last year’s final, MI New York comfortably chased down a target of 184, sealing victory with four overs to spare.
Shakib Al Hasan’s addition to the LAKR squad brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in T20 cricket. Known for his all-round abilities, Shakib can turn the game with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset in the shorter format. His experience in high-pressure situations and familiarity with the Knight Riders’ setup will be crucial for LAKR’s campaign.
As LAKR prepares for the new season, fans will be eager to see how Shakib’s presence enhances the team’s performance. His leadership and skill will be instrumental in navigating the challenges of the MLC and striving for the championship title.
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