Travis Head and Pat Cummins to Skip MLC 2025

Updated At: 2025/02/16

The 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) is set to see significant changes, with Australian stars Travis Head and Pat Cummins opting out of the tournament. Head, a key player in Washington Freedom’s title-winning campaign last season, amassed 336 runs in nine innings and finished second in the tournament’s overall run charts. Despite his success, Head has previously stated that he intends to limit himself to two franchise leagues per year while he remains an active Test cricketer.

Cummins, on the other hand, has a multi-year contract with San Francisco Unicorns but will also be unavailable for MLC 2025 due to Australia’s Test series in the West Indies. His absence, along with that of Josh Inglis, who is also prioritizing red-ball commitments, leaves the Unicorns with a few gaps to fill.

Washington Freedom’s Strong Retentions

Washington Freedom has managed to retain former Australian captain Steven Smith, though his availability remains uncertain due to Australia’s Test commitments. In addition to Smith, Freedom has secured the services of Glenn Maxwell, Jack Edwards, and New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson. These key retentions will help the defending champions maintain their competitive edge.

The team has also kept its domestic core intact while parting ways with Akeal Hosein, Andrew Tye, and Travis Head. With the highest number of retained international players, Freedom is looking to build upon last season’s success despite Head’s departure.

San Francisco Unicorns Hit Hard by Absences

Besides Cummins and Inglis, the Unicorns will also be missing several key players. However, they have retained Haris Rauf, making him the sole Pakistani player in the squad as well as the entire league. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short, and Finn Allen will continue to form the backbone of the Unicorns' top order.

MI New York’s Surprising Releases

MI New York’s decision to release Tim David from their MLC roster comes as no surprise, given his recent departures from IPL and SA20 teams. However, the franchise raised eyebrows by also letting go of star South African pacer Kagiso Rabada and young batting sensation Dewald Brevis. Despite these exits, MI New York remains a star-studded squad with the retentions of Keiron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Trent Boult.

Seattle Orcas Opt for a New Approach

Seattle Orcas have made bold moves by retaining only two overseas players—Ryan Rickleton and Heinrich Klaasen. This marks a strategic shift as they part ways with former captain Quinton de Kock, who spent two seasons with the franchise. Other notable releases include Michael Bracewell and Nandre Burger.

Texas Super Kings Continue With Experience

Faf du Plessis, who will be nearing his 41st birthday, is set to return to lead Texas Super Kings. The veteran batter dominated last year’s tournament as the leading run-scorer and will again be a key figure for the side. The team has also retained fresh ODI retiree Marcus Stoinis and New Zealand's Devon Conway. However, the Super Kings have let go of Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Aiden Markram, leaving them with a lean international squad.

Los Angeles Knight Riders Overhaul Their Squad

After failing to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, Los Angeles Knight Riders have decided to shake things up by releasing a significant portion of their overseas players. The franchise has retained longtime stalwarts Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, along with Spencer Johnson. However, they have parted ways with Jason Roy, who had signed a high-profile multi-year contract, as well as David Miller, Alex Carey, Shakib Al Hasan, and Josh Little.

The Impact on MLC 2025

With Australia’s Test series in the West Indies affecting several key players' availability, teams have been forced to rethink their strategies. While some franchises have focused on retaining their core players, others have opted for major changes, particularly in their overseas roster.

For cricket fans looking to stay engaged with the sport beyond just watching, cricket betting apps with sign up bonus provide an exciting way to immerse themselves in the action. With MLC 2025 shaping up to be a thrilling season, fans can expect fierce competition and new stars to emerge in the absence of some of the biggest names in the game.

As franchises finalize their squads, the upcoming MLC season promises to be an intriguing mix of fresh talent and experienced campaigners looking to leave their mark on American cricket’s premier T20 league.