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ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta calls LAKR's base for MLC in Pomona 'cricket's home for LA28'

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ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and Knight Riders Sport CEO Venky Mysore among other dignitaries present at Knight Riders Cricket Groundbreaking Ceremony in Pomona, California

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore, among other dignitaries, present at Knight Riders Cricket Groundbreaking Ceremony in Pomona, California (Source: X/@LA)KnightRiders)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 23 Apr 2026, 11:59 AM Read time - 10 mins

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) CEO Sanjog Gupta has called Los Angeles Knight Riders' base for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in Pomona, California, "cricket's home for LA28".

Gupta was present at the venue for the "groundbreaking ceremony" of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona on April 22, alongside the CEO of Knight Riders Sport, Venky Mysore and several other dignitaries.

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"The journey over the next two years will see many such milestones which enhance the sense of occasion, culture and community, as cricket's home for LA28 is built in Pomona. With the inclusion in the Olympic Games and other regional multi-sport events, cricket has already stepped into a new era of global growth powered by improved accessibility, elevated visibility and stronger institutional support," said Gupta.

The ground at Fairplex will serve as the home for LAKR in the fourth season of Major League Cricket. While LAKR will play three of their games at the venue, the ground will host a total of seven matches in the season.

List of matches to be played at the Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona during MLC 2026

Date Match No. Venue Team 1 Team 2 Local Time GMT
Wed, Jul 1 2026 16th Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Los Angeles Knight Riders Washington Freedom 6:30 PM 1:30 AM
Thu, Jul 2 2026 17th Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Seattle Orcas MI New York 6:30 PM 1:30 AM
Fri, Jul 3 2026 18th Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Los Angeles Knight Riders Texas Super Kings 6:30 PM 1:30 AM
Sat, Jul 4 2026 19th Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Washington Freedom San Francisco Unicorns 2:30 PM 9:30 PM
Sun, Jul 5 2026 20th Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Los Angeles Knight Riders MI New York 6:30 PM 1:30 AM
Sun, Jul 5 2026 21st Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field Seattle Orcas Texas Super Kings 2:30 PM 9:30 PM
Mon, Jul 6 2026 22nd Match Pomona, Knight Riders Cricket Field San Francisco Unicorns MI New York 6:30 PM 1:30 AM


"These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport," Jay Shah, the ICC chair, said in a statement. "Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it.

"The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket's return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC members and stakeholders worldwide. We're confident this venue will take centre stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA."

"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," Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Knight Riders Sports, said in a statement. "Through our long-term partnership with Fairplex, we aim to create not just a cricket ground, but a space of energy, community, and belonging."

Mysore feels that Knight Riders' base in Pomona will go a long way in the growth and development of the game in the States and would also help in connecting "with the community in Southern California".

"This is a defining moment - not just for the Knight Riders, but for cricket in America. We see strong potential to grow the game and connect with the community in Southern California to lead this next phase of cricket's growth in the US," said Mysore, who was present at the ceremony.

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