MLC 2023: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine among four KKR players roped in by Los Angeles Knight Riders

Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), Kolkata Knight Riders' sister franchise, has roped in several high-profile names to their squad, including KKR stars Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson and Jason Roy. Apart from the aforementioned global stars, LAKR also secured the services of T20 stalwarts Adam Zampa, Martin Guptill and Rilee Rossouw for the inaugural season of the MLC.

LAKR, which is the latest addition to the Knight Riders Group, is one of the six teams participating in the inaugural edition of the much-awaited tournament. Apart from the heavy hitters, LAKR also features former Indian prodigy Unmukt Chand, along with USA's Jaskaran Malhotra, Ali Khan and Ali Sheikh in their squad. Bhaskar Yadram from the West Indies, Corne Dry from South Africa, Nitish Kumar from Canada, Saif Badar from Pakistan and Shadley Van Schalkwyk of South Africa are the other names in the squad.

Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who have been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, will be representing their fourth different Knight Riders franchise. Apart from KKR, the duo have already represented Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20.

"We have assembled a strong and talented team for the debut season of MLC, who can compete at the highest level and bring joy to cricket fans around the world. The Knight Riders group is poised to make a significant contribution to the growth of cricket in the United States and to bring our unique brand of cricket to new audiences around the world," Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.

MLC set to kick off on July 13 in Dallas

It is worth noting that four of the six teams participating in the tournament are owned by IPL franchises. The inaugural edition of the tournament kicks off with a clash between Texas Super Kings and LA Knight Riders at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on July 13.