The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) will make history on July 1 when they play their first match at the newly built Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona. They will become the first Major League Cricket franchise to host a professional match at a dedicated cricket venue in the Los Angeles area.
LAKR will face defending Major League Cricket champions Washington Freedom in the landmark fixture, which marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s efforts to expand cricket’s footprint across the United States.
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is expected to play a key role in the long-term growth of the sport in the region. By establishing a dedicated cricket facility in one of America’s largest metropolitan areas, the Knight Riders Group aims to create a permanent home for the game while providing fans access to world-class professional cricket.
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“The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is a major milestone for Los Angeles Knight Riders and a reflection of our long-term commitment to growing the game in the United States,” said Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports.
“As we continue to build the sport in this market, establishing a dedicated home venue was an important strategic priority. It allows us to deliver a more immersive matchday experience for fans, deepen our engagement with local communities, and create a lasting foundation for cricket in the USA.”
Mysore added that the organization is excited to welcome supporters for the venue’s inaugural match and hopes the facility will become a centerpiece of cricket culture in Southern California for years to come.
The opening of the ground comes during a period of rapid growth for cricket in the United States, fueled by the launch of Major League Cricket and increasing investment from international cricket organizations and franchise owners.
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For LAKR, the venue provides more than just a home field. It represents a strategic investment in infrastructure designed to support the development of cricket at both the professional and grassroots levels.
The Knight Riders organization is among the most successful brands in global T20 cricket, operating franchises across four major leagues. Its portfolio includes the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International League T20, and Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.
Combined, the Knight Riders franchises have won nine major championships, including three IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders and five Caribbean Premier League crowns with Trinbago Knight Riders.
As the 2026 Major League Cricket season continues, LAKR’s historic home debut signals another important step in establishing professional cricket as a mainstream sport in the United States.