MI New York Crowned MLC 2025 Champions

MI New York are champions of Major League Cricket once again. In a thrilling final that swung both ways till the very end, the franchise held their nerve to clinch a five-run win over defending champions Washington Freedom and lift their second MLC title in three seasons.

At the heart of MI’s triumph was Quinton de Kock, who brought his A-game on the biggest night. The South African wicketkeeper-batter smashed a superb 77 off just 46 balls, cracking six boundaries and four sixes to light up the final. His confident strokeplay laid the foundation for MI New York’s competitive total of 180/7 at the Grand Prairie Stadium. De Kock was well supported by Monank Patel, who chipped in with 28, and skipper Nicholas Pooran, who made a breezy 21. Together, they strung together crucial partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. MI lost a few quick wickets in the middle, but a handy lower-order cameo helped push them to a solid total. 

Washington Freedom, chasing 181, were in early trouble as Trent Boult struck twice in the very first over. The left-armer dismissed Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous without a run on the board, stunning the defending champions. But the chase was far from over. Rachin Ravindra turned the tide with an attacking knock of 70 off 41 deliveries. Partnering with Jack Edwards, who made 33 from 22 balls, the duo stitched an 84-run stand to bring Washington roaring back into the contest. Later, Glenn Phillips added to the drama with an unbeaten 48, keeping the Freedom in the hunt till the final over. 

With 12 needed from the last six balls and both Phillips and Glenn Maxwell at the crease, it looked like Washington would sneak through. But 22-year-old American pacer Rushil Ugarkar stepped up when it mattered most. Calm under pressure, he delivered a brilliant final over to seal the win and spark wild celebrations in the MI camp. Nosthush Kenjige also played a key role with the ball, picking up timely wickets to derail Washington’s middle-order charge. 

This victory is more than just another trophy. It’s MI New York’s second MLC title in three years and the parent franchise Mumbai Indians’ third major crown in 2025. Earlier this year, MI Cape Town won the SA20, and the Mumbai Indians Women claimed the WPL title. 

Major League Cricket, now granted List-A status by the ICC, continues to grow in stature, and this final proved why. It had drama, star power, and a nail-biting finish—T20 cricket at its absolute best. 

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