Los Angeles Knight Riders Unveil Unique Cricket Stadium Ahead of Major League Cricket

Introduction of the Knight Riders Cricket Stadium

The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, have revealed plans for a groundbreaking cricket stadium in the United States. This venue, located at the Fairplex Complex in Pomona, California, will serve as the franchise's home starting from the 2026 season of Major League Cricket (MLC). Named the Knight Riders Cricket Stadium, it marks a significant milestone as the first cricket stadium owned by a franchise in the U.S. While ownership of home stadiums is common in sports like football, this is a novel development for cricket.

Statements from Shah Rukh Khan and Venky Mysore

Shah Rukh Khan expressed his excitement, stating, “The Knight Riders have evolved into a global family, and each milestone is significant for us. Having a dedicated home for the Los Angeles Knight Riders is thrilling. The U.S. boasts a vibrant sports market with enthusiastic fans, and we aspire for this venue to be a gathering place for celebrating cricket and supporting our team.”

Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Sports, added, “Los Angeles is a key sports hub and vital for the Knight Riders brand. Partnering with Fairplex to establish the Knight Riders Cricket Field is a pivotal achievement for our franchise. We are eager to cultivate cricket in the U.S. and foster the sport's growth.”

Potential Olympic Venue for Cricket

LA 2028 Host Venue?

The newly established ground is anticipated to host both men's and women's cricket matches during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking cricket's return to the Olympic stage after 128 years, specifically in the T20I format. Although official confirmation is pending, earlier announcements indicated that cricket would be played at a venue constructed within the Fairplex grounds in Pomona.