Steve Smith to play select MLC games for Washington Freedom

Australian cricketer Steve Smith will make a brief appearance in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, fitting in a short spell with Washington Freedom between two key international commitments.

Smith, 35, is expected to feature in two matches for Washington Freedom, the team he led to the championship title last season. His anticipated appearances are against the LA Knight Riders in Oakland on June 17 and MI New York in Dallas on June 21.

Washington Freedom General Manager Michael Klinger confirmed Smith’s limited availability:

“It’s great to have Steve Smith again with us this season, albeit only for probably two matches. That continuity is really important for us. He was a fantastic leader for us last year, a big reason why we won. Hopefully, he will be part of the Washington Freedom setup for many years to come.”

Smith's participation had been uncertain due to Australia's demanding Test schedule. The national team is set to compete in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa from June 11 to 15 at Lord’s. Following that, Australia will tour the West Indies for three Test matches and five T20 internationals, with the first Test beginning in Barbados on June 25.

MLC 2025 will be the league’s third season. Established in 2019 by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), MLC is a franchise Twenty20 cricket league in the United States. The teams participating are Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom, who are the defending champions.