In a significant boost to cricket’s expansion in the United States, the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), in partnership with Fairplex, officially broke ground on a new dedicated cricket facility in Pomona, California.
The upcoming Knight Riders Cricket Ground is being positioned as a key piece of sports infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, reflecting the sport’s growing footprint in the U.S. The venue will serve as LAKR’s home base in the Major League Cricket (MLC) and is expected to host seven matches during the 2026 season, including the team’s first three home fixtures scheduled for July 1-5.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew a mix of political leaders, global cricket officials, and sports executives. A recorded message from Shah Rukh Khan, renowned Indian actor, Bollywood film producer, and co-owner of the Knight Riders franchise, highlighted the broader ambition behind the project. He described the development as more than just a stadium, calling it a step toward embedding cricket into Los Angeles’ sporting culture.
In the video message, Khan said: “Today isn’t just about breaking ground, but about beginning a dream – bringing cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, into the heart of Los Angeles’ sporting identity. Through our long-term partnership with Fairplex, we aim to create not just a cricket ground, but a space of energy, community, and belonging.”
Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports, termed the project a “defining moment” for the sport in the United States, emphasizing community engagement and long-term growth. Fairplex President and CEO Walter Marquez echoed similar sentiments about the venue’s regional impact.
Other notable attendees included Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, International Cricket Council CEO Sanjog Gupta, former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and LA28 organizing committee executive Niccolò Campriani.
READ: Sundar Pichai joins Shah Rukh Khan, Mukesh Ambani in a bid to buy cricket team (January 20, 2025)
The stadium project follows LAKR’s earlier announcement in March and represents one of the first purpose-built cricket venues in Southern California. Organizers say it will feature world-class playing and training facilities, aimed at supporting both professional competition and grassroots development.
The Knight Riders brand—best known for its flagship team, the Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League (IPL)—has expanded globally with franchises in the Caribbean, UAE, and now the United States. With multiple championship titles across leagues, the group is betting on the American market as cricket eyes broader international growth.
The Pomona venue is expected to play a central role in that vision, as Los Angeles emerges as a potential hub for the sport in the lead-up to the Olympics.
The Knight Riders organization noted that the message formed part of the ceremonial proceedings marking the start of construction at the Pomona site. The video was presented alongside remarks from franchise leadership and stakeholders as part of the event program.
The Knight Riders Academy was also referenced in the release as part of the organization’s broader structure, with a focus on identifying and supporting cricketers from India and around the world through ongoing development initiatives aimed at improving cricketing skills and fitness throughout the year.