The Knight Riders have their new home now, but it’s not in Kolkata. The LA Knight Riders will now play at their own dedicated ground in California, marking a first for any IPL-owned franchise. It is also a great moment for cricket in the USA.
In addition, the franchise is all set to play its 2026 MLC matches at this venue.
Before the announcement of the LA Knight Riders Home ground, no team had an advantage of home ground because matches had been scattered between Oakland, Dallas, and Lauderhill. The bold move of knight riders have changed the situation completely.
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The franchise announced the Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex in Pomona as their official home for 2026. As per reports, the Knight Riders CEO, CO owner, and Fairplex CEO shared their opinions and the joyful moment.
Shah Rukh Khan Calls It a Landmark Moment For Global Cricket Expansion
As per free press journal, co-owner of the Knight Riders, Shah Rukh Khan, said: “Over the years, the Knight Riders have grown into a truly global family, and every new milestone is special for us. Seeing the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) have a home of their own with the Knight Riders Cricket is incredibly exciting. The USA is a great sporting market with passionate fans, and we hope this field becomes a place where people come together to celebrate the game and support the team. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter for the Knight Riders in Los Angeles.”
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Venky Mysore Shares Vision For Knight Riders Expansion Into California
The CEO of the Knight Riders Sports, Venky Mysore, said that: “Los Angeles is one of the world’s most dynamic sports markets and an important home for the Knight Riders brand. Establishing the Knight Riders Cricket Field in partnership with Fairplex is a major milestone for our franchise, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with Fairplex to further establish Cricket in the USA and build the sport.”
Fairplex CEO Walter M Marquez Backs Cricket Growth In America
Moreover, the president and the CEO of Fairplex in Pomona, Walter M. Marquez, also talked about the moment, “As the home of the LA County Fair, one of the largest fairs in the country, we are excited to partner with Knight Riders to present cricket, one of the world’s largest sports, on our campus. Fairplex continues to seek new experiences that are unique to Southern California, and the Knight Riders will create the field where the community will come together and celebrate.”
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How This Shapes the Future of Cricket in America
The move was not just about having their own ground, but also about setting up a proper home in the USA. Moreover, with a fixed venue in Southern California, the team can build a local fanbase rather than shifting venues.
As per reports, major league cricket matches are expected to be hosted by the ground. It is also the first IPL-owned franchise stadium.
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How many leagues do the Knight Riders Compete In Globally?
The Knight Riders, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, have built a strong cricket presence by participating in various franchise leagues. As per reports, the Knight Riders teams play in at least four major T20 leagues. It includes:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Kolkata Knight Riders
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Trinbago Knight Riders
- Major League Cricket in the USA (MLC): Los Angeles Knight Riders
- UAE’s ILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders