MLC 2023: Sunil Narine to captain Los Angeles Knight Riders
Narine and his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Andre Russell are two big names to feature for LA Knight Riders in the MLC.
Crickate
Sunil Narine, an all-rounder from the West Indies, will head the Los Angeles Knight Riders, owned by the Knight Riders Group, in the inaugural 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Six teams will compete from July 14 to July 31 at two different locations in the United States. Other teams competing in the MLC are MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom.
Andre Russell, a colleague of Narine's at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will also play for the LA Knight Riders in the MLC. Other notable Knight Riders players include Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, Rilee Rossouw, Martin Guptill, and Adam Zampa.
The veteran spinner expressed his delight at being named captain and stated that he has always desired to represent the Knight Riders in any competition. The 35-year-old believes that the team's first season will be a success due to the presence of numerous veteran players. In addition, on July 14 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, the Knight Riders will begin their MLC campaign against the Texas Super Kings, who are co-owned by Chennai Super Kings.
"I've always expressed my desire to represent the Knight Riders on the road. I'm pleased that our long-discussed trip to the United States is finally occurring. As commander of this team, I eagerly anticipate the challenge. In a Knight Riders press release, the Trinidadian cricketer stated, "There are many experienced players on this team with whom I can share information, so it will be an exciting time for us."
Phil Simmons appointed as head coach of the LA Knight Riders
Former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons has been appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Knight Riders. In the MLC, he will be assisted by Bharat Arun, the bowling coach for KKR in the Indian Premier League, Ryan Ten Doeschate, the associate coach, and AR Srikkanth, the team analyst.
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The Trinidadian cricketer has extensive coaching experience in both international and T20 competitions. The 60-year-old has twice served as head coach for the Windies, in addition to coaching Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan.
He was recently appointed coach of the most successful team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Trinbago Knight Riders, and claimed the championship with Barbados Royals (formerly Tridents) in 2019. He coached Dubai Capitals in the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) in 2023.
