MI New York claimed their second Major League Cricket (MLC) title on July 13, 2025, after a dramatic five-run victory over Washington Freedom at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. The tightly contested final ended with MI New York posting 180 for 7 in their 20 overs, while Washington Freedom fell short at 175 for 5, confirming a narrow and hard-fought win.
The highlight of the night was 22-year-old American fast-medium bowler Rushil Ugarkar, who was named Player of the Match. In a high-pressure final over, he defended 12 runs against seasoned campaigners Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips—mixing pace and precision—to seal the title for MI New York.
MI New York’s journey to the trophy was powered by a spectacular postseason push, following a league-stage run that yielded just three wins from ten matches. After scraping into the playoffs based on net run rate, the team overcame San Francisco Unicorns in the Eliminator and dominated Texas Super Kings in the Challenger, setting the stage for their dramatic final showdown.
Monank Patel finished the season as MLC’s leading run-scorer, totaling 478 runs across 13 innings—a tally that included numerous pivotal performances throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Xavier Bartlett of the San Francisco Unicorns led the tournament with 18 wickets—an achievement that underscores how the 2025 season pushed competitive standards even higher.
MI New York’s squad showcased a blend of international experience and emerging domestic talent. The lineup featured seasoned players such as Kieron Pollard (West Indies), Quinton de Kock (South Africa), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies), and Trent Boult (New Zealand), alongside promising Americans like Rushil Ugarkar and Monank Patel.
In the championship match, New York’s explosive batting took center stage. Quinton de Kock anchored the innings with a powerful knock before wickets tumbled in the middle overs, leaving the final total at 180 . Washington responded aggressively; opener Rachin Ravindra led the chase with 65 runs, but the final over drama handed MI New York a narrow escape.
The climax was defined by tension. Washington needed 12 runs from the final six balls, but Ugarkar held firm, executing tactical slower balls and yorkers to seal MI New York’s triumph.
This victory not only marks MI New York’s second MLC title (their first was in the inaugural season in 2023) but also cements their place as the league’s dominant franchise. Their spectacular elevation through the playoffs ranks as one of the most remarkable comebacks in MLC history.
MLC’s 2025 season, which ran from June 12 through July 13 and featured a double round-robin followed by playoff fixtures, has been hailed as the league’s most competitive yet. It featured six teams and a total of 34 matches, all played at three major venues, including Grand Prairie Stadium—still a neutral site—pending the completion of dedicated home grounds.
Notably, Washington Freedom led the standings during the regular season, finishing with eight wins and two losses before rain washed out their Qualifier 1 fixture—but their strong performance ultimately carried them to the final. Their final defeat, however, showcased just how closely matched the top tiers of the league have become.
From a broader perspective, this season highlights how MLC is raising the standard of professional cricket in the United States. Clean performances from international stars and growth of domestic talent like Ugarkar reflect an increasingly competitive landscape. Bartlett’s 18 wickets and Patel’s 478-run haul underscore the league’s depth and the emergence of new talent.
Looking ahead, this victory strengthens the Indians-backed franchise’s base in New York and bolsters the league’s credibility ahead of future expansions—MLC is scheduled to grow, with ten teams tentatively planned for 2026. As MI New York basks in the glow of a dramatic title win, the league’s continued momentum hints at a transformative chapter for cricket in the U.S.
