Steve Smith Likely To Join Washington Freedom For MLC 2024

image-lk0pwoppSteve Smith is the brand ambassador of Washington Freedom [Twitter]

There is a possibility that Steve Smith may participate in the second edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2024.

Smith has already reached an agreement to serve as a brand ambassador for the Washington Freedom, making it highly likely that he will also don the team's jersey in the future.

Smith's affiliation with the Washington Freedom holds significant importance for him as a New South Wales native, given the team's partnership with his home state. In a promotional video, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for extending the reach of cricket to the United States of America, recognising the sport's rich history in Australia.

“As a New South Wales boy, the partnership the Freedom has with my home state means a lot to me. Cricket in Australia has a rich history and I look forward to being part of taking cricket to the United States of America,”  Steve Smith said in a promotional video as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

It is worth noting that the Washington Freedom currently boasts several players from New South Wales, such as Moises Henriques, Ben Dwarshuis, and Josh Philippe, who will participate in the inaugural edition of the MLC, beginning tomorrow. 

Michael Klinger, head of male cricket- Washington Freedom, is optimistic about Smith's potential involvement with the franchise in MLC 2024.

Klinger emphasised Smith's close ties to both New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers, acknowledging his outstanding performance in the recent Big Bash League (BBL) and the positive impact he will have on raising the profile of the Washington Freedom.

“Steve (Smith) has a close relationship with New South Wales and Sydney Sixers. He obviously had five fantastic games in the last BBL, and to have him on board as an ambassador to promote the team is great. He’s going to really lift the profile of Washington Freedom,"  Klinger told ESPN Cricinfo. 

The timing also appears favourable for Smith's participation as Australia does not have any international fixtures scheduled immediately after the 2024 T20 World Cup, allowing him the opportunity to join the Washington-based team.