MLC 2023: Sunil Narine to captain Los Angeles Knight Riders in inaugural edition

The West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine is set to lead the Los Angeles Knight Riders, owned by the Knight Riders Group, in the inaugural edition of the 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC). The USA-based tournament will be contested from July 14 to 31 across two venues, with six teams in the fray. MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom are the other teams that will compete in the MLC. 

Narine and his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Andre Russell are two big names to feature for LA Knight Riders in the MLC. Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, Rilee Rossouw, Martin Guptill, and Adam Zampa are among the other prominent stars in the Knight Riders squad.

The veteran spinner acknowledged his pleasure at being appointed as captain, stating he has always wanted to represent the Knight Riders in whichever league. With numerous experienced players on the squad, the 35-year-old hopes they can succeed in the first-ever season. Furthermore, on July 14, Knight Riders will kick off their MLC campaign against Texas Super Kings, co-owned by Chennai Super Kings, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.

"I've always spoken about wanting to represent the Knight Riders wherever they play. We've long talked about coming to the United States and I'm glad it's finally happening. As captain of this side, I am looking forward to the challenge. There are a lot of experienced guys in this team who I can bounce information off, so it will be an exciting time for us," the Trinidadian cricketer said in a Knight Riders release.

Phil Simmons appointed as LA Knight Riders head coach

Phil Simmons, a former West Indies cricketer, has been named head coach of the LA Knight Riders. Bharat Arun, KKR's bowling coach in the Indian Premier League, Ryan Ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, and AR Srikkanth, the team analyst, will assist him in the MLC. 

The Trinidadian cricketer has enormous coaching expertise in international cricket as well as in T20 leagues. The 60-year-old served as the Windies' head coach twice and also coached Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan.

He was recently appointed coach of the Caribbean Premier League's (CPL) most successful team, Trinbago Knight Riders, and also won the title with Barbados Royals (formerly Tridents) in 2019. In 2023, he also coached Dubai Capitals in the first-ever International League T20 (ILT20).