Steve Smith joins Washington Freedom as ambassador
One of world’s greatest cricketers brings his sporting stature to US capital’s first ever own professional cricket team
Steve Smith, one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, has signed for Washington Freedom as an ambassador to assist in promoting the US capital’s first ever own professional cricket team.
The Australian, who has the highest average for any batter to have played 100 Tests, is currently playing a leading role in his country’s Ashes series with England.
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And now he will bring his sporting stature, expertise and unrivaled love of the game as an ambassador for Washington Freedom, one of the six teams competing in the ongoing inaugural session of Major League Cricket, a new T20 franchise league, according to a media release.
Team founder and owner, Sanjay Govil, said, “As a team and as a new league, we have not only an opportunity, but a duty to grow American cricket.
“Bringing Steve to help promote the team will undeniably help us do this. He’s a true great of the game and a fantastic person, who is respected the world over.”
“Smith joins as part of our sporting partnership with Cricket New South Wales, with players and coaches also moving on to our roster for our debut MLC campaign,” Govil added.
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Freedom General Manager Cricket Michael Klinger said, “This is a huge moment for us and we look forward to Steve spreading the word about Washington Freedom to all his fans.
“Organizationally, Steve has been part of Cricket NSW from Pathway levels until now and our system has seen him develop into the man he is today. The Washington Freedom and Steve Smith relationship is one we would like to continue to develop in years to come.
“He’s a great player in all formats of the game, and you only need to look at his performances in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers [where he averaged 86.50 and scored at a strike rate of 174] to see his commitment to the shorter form.
“This is another sign that together Major League Cricket and Washington Freedom mean business.”
READ: Sanjay Govil brings professional cricket to Washington (March 20, 2023)
Besides Washington Freedom five other teams are competing in MLC’s inaugural season which began July 13 — the Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, and Texas Super Kings.
The 2023 season will feature 19 matches to be played over 18 days, with the first-ever MLC championship final to take place on July 30.
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