Shahrukh Khan and the Knight Riders Group have marked a historic milestone in global cricket with the opening of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, Los Angeles, which has officially hosted its first Major League Cricket (MLC) competition. The venue welcomed the Los Angeles Knight Riders as they took on the Washington Freedom, signaling an important step in the expansion of cricket in the United States.
Shah Rukh Khan inaugurates the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles, where the first Major League Cricket match was held
The newly constructed stadium is the first international cricket venue established by a global cricket franchise, reflecting the Knight Riders Group’s long-term commitment to growing the game through investment in world-class infrastructure.
Built as per international standards, the Knight Riders Cricket Ground features eight wickets, ICC-standard playing dimensions and six 120 feet high floodlight towers on the main concourse. Over 32,000 metric tonnes of soil was removed during construction to develop the venue into a world-class cricket arena to provide an exclusive experience for both players and fans.
Talking about the historic achievement, Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Knight Riders Group, said, “What started as a dream has become a reality today. Bringing cricket, the second most watched sport in the world, to Los Angeles is a historic moment for all of us. Through this long-term partnership between Fairplex and Knight Riders, we are creating much more than a cricket venue. We are creating a place that celebrates community, togetherness, energy and entertainment. Is.
“This is a place built not only for sport, but for entertainment, for families and for memories that will last forever. We hope it will become a home for cricket in Los Angeles and inspire generations of fans and players alike. This is for Los Angeles, for cricket fans around the world and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in the Purple and Gold.”
Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports, also highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA is much more than a stadium; it is a statement of intent for the future of cricket. Becoming the first global cricket brand to set up an international cricket stadium is a proud milestone for the Knight Riders Group and reflects our belief that the growth of the game must be supported by world-class infrastructure. We wanted to create a venue where players would love to compete, fans would love to compete in. Would love to see it, and for the local community to be proud to call it cricketing home.”
Adding to the celebrations, NBA champion Ron Artest, better known as Metta World Peace, was invited to throw the ceremonial first ball at the inaugural MLC match. Their involvement underlined the growing connection between cricket and mainstream American sports, while highlighting the Knight Riders group’s efforts to integrate the game into the sporting culture of Los Angeles.
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground will host Major League Cricket matches from July 1 to July 5, further strengthening cricket’s growing footprint in the United States and reinforcing the Knight Riders Group’s vision of making the game more accessible to new audiences around the world.
