Washington Freedom (cricket)

{{Short description|Washington-based cricket franchise}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox cricket team | name = Washington Freedom | image = [[File:Washington Freedom Logo.svg]] | nickname = | league = [[Major League Cricket]] | captain = [[Glenn Maxwell]] | coach = [[Ricky Ponting]] | city = [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States]] (planned) | colours = Red, White, and Blue<br />{{color box|#EA0326}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}} {{color box|#05163E}} | manager = Rohit Anand | owner = [[Sanjay Govil]] |current=[[2025 Washington Freedom season]] | founded = {{start date and age|2023}} |title1=[[Major League Cricket]] |title1wins=1 ([[2024 Major League Cricket final|2024]]) | website = {{URL|https://www.washingtonfreedom.com|washingtonfreedom.com}} | h_pattern_la = _redborder | h_pattern_b = _wsf23 | h_pattern_ra = _redborder | h_leftarm = 000028 | h_body = 000028 | h_rightarm = 000028 | h_pants = 000028 | h_title = T20 [[Cricket clothing and equipment|kit]] }}

The '''Washington Freedom''' are an American professional [[Twenty20|Twenty20 cricket]] team based in [[Washington, D.C.]] that competes in [[Major League Cricket]] (MLC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/local-sports/2023/03/washington-freedom-is-dcs-new-major-league-cricket-team |first=Ivy |last=Lyons |publisher=[[WTOP-FM|WTOP]] |title=Washington Freedom is DC's new Major League Cricket team |date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref>

The team was announced in 2023 as one of six inaugural franchises to play in the league.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://washingtonian.com/2023/03/15/say-hello-to-dcs-new-major-league-cricket-team-the-washington-freedom/ |first=Katie |last=Kenny |date=March 15, 2023 |publisher=[[Washingtonian (magazine)|Washingtonian]] |title=Say Hello to DC's New Major League Cricket Team, the Washington Freedom |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The Freedom are owned by [[Indian American]] entrepreneur [[Sanjay Govil]].<ref name="FreedomOwner">{{cite web|url=https://americanbazaaronline.com/2023/03/20/sanjay-govil-brings-professional-cricket-to-washington-452961 |first=Arun |last=Kumar |date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=The American Bazaar |title=Sanjay Govil brings professional cricket to Washington |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The team is coached by [[Ricky Ponting]] and is captained by [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ponting confirmed as Washington Freedom head coach in Major League Cricket |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ricky-ponting-confirmed-as-washington-freedom-head-coach-in-major-league-cricket-1420050 |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dallasinnovates.com/major-league-cricket-announces-2023-season-schedule-with-first-ever-match-in-grand-prairie-july-13 |first=David |last=Seeley |date=June 13, 2023 |publisher=[[Dallas Regional Chamber|Dallas Innovates]] |title=Major League Cricket Announces 2023 Season Schedule With First Ever Match in Grand Prairie July 13 |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref>

==History == === Team creation === In May 2022, Major League Cricket announced that it had secured [[US dollar|$]]120 million from various investors across the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2022/major-league-cricket-secures-120m-funding-from-microsoft-ceo-and-others-to-launch-in-u-s/ |first=Kurt |last=Schlosser |publisher=[[GeekWire]] |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Major League Cricket secures $120M funding from Microsoft CEO and others to launch in U.S. |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> One of these investors was Sanjay Govil, who was later announced to be the lead investor and owner of the Washington DC–based franchise team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/124737/mlc-to-adopt-reformist-approach-to-build-new-stadium-in-washington-dc-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |date=December 7, 2022 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]] |title=MLC to adopt reformist approach to build new stadium in Washington DC |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> Alongside MLC, Govil partnered up with [[George Mason University]] to launch a feasibility study into a 12,000-seat hybrid cricket/baseball stadium later that year in December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://emergingcricket.com/news/mlc-george-mason-announce-dc-stadium-feasibility-study/ |first=Nate |last=Hays |publisher=Emerging Cricket |date=December 1, 2022 |title=MLC and George Mason University announce feasibility study for DC area stadium |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/george-mason-steps-up-to-bat-with-potential-cricket-baseball-stadium/article_324270e6-e9a5-525e-9efd-c53735929b6a.html |first=Michael |last=Martz |publisher=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]] |date=December 30, 2022 |title=George Mason steps up to bat with potential cricket, baseball stadium |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The proposed stadium would host both cricket and [[baseball]] games and support up to 12,000 spectators upon its completion in summer 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wjla.com/news/local/cricket-dc-george-mason-university-baseball-team-major-league-mlc-american-study-pan-development-sports |first=Jensen |last=Bird |publisher=[[WJLA-TV|WJLA]] |date=November 30, 2022 |title=George Mason University, Major League Cricket partner up for cricket and baseball facility |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ffxnow.com/2023/02/27/potential-gmu-cricket-facility-has-county-board-intrigued-but-cautious |first=Angela |last=Woolsey |publisher=FFXnow |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Potential GMU cricket facility has county board intrigued but cautious |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> George Mason University announced in March 2024 that it would not proceed with the stadium.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/gmu-cricket-stadium-proposal-scrapped/3579208/ | title=GMU cricket stadium proposal scrapped | date=March 28, 2024 }}</ref>

In February 2023, Major League Cricket announced that Govil had entered a partnership with [[Cricket New South Wales]] to help accelerate the growth of the DC-based franchise.<ref name="CricketNSWExec">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/coming-to-america-new-south-wales-signs-deal-with-major-league-cricket-1359328 |first=Andrew |last=McGlashan |date=February 17, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |title=Coming to America: New South Wales signs deal with Major League Cricket |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> The agreement included initiatives to further player development opportunities, as well as cricket content, within the U.S., an exchange program of coaches and support staff, and opportunities for NSW-based players to play in MLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricket.com.au/news/cricket-nsw-partners-with-america-domestic-cricket-t20-league-players-steve-smith/2023-02-17 |work=AAP |publisher=[[Cricket Australia]] |date=February 17, 2023 |title=Cricket NSW partners with America in new T20 league |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref> Cricket NSW [[CEO|chief executive]] Lee Germon stated that "... he [Govil] was very keen to not have an IPL partner... [and wanted to] partner with someone outside who could really bring what we wanted to the table."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2023/03/11/how-americas-new-pro-t20-cricket-league-can-lure-top-australian-players/ |first=Tristan |last=Lavalette |date=March 11, 2023 |work=[[Forbes]] |title=How America's New Pro T20 Cricket League Can Lure Top Australian Players |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref>

In March 2023, the team's name, Washington Freedom, and logo were officially unveiled to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-gmr-group-secure-rights-for-a-team-in-us-t20-franchise-major-league-cricket-373992-2023-03-19 |first=Shubham |last=Singh |date=March 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |title=Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, GMR Group secure rights for a team in US' T20 franchise Major League Cricket |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref> Upon the unveiling of the team name and logo, Govil said that, "the team's mark and colors are a perfect for a team from the nation's capital to compete on the global stage."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/washington-freedom-chosen-as-name-for-dcs-professional-cricket-team |work=[[WTTG|Fox 5 DC]] |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Washington Freedom chosen as name for DC's professional cricket team |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref>

=== Inaugural season === The Freedom, in the second overall [[2023 Major League Cricket players' draft|2023 draft]], picked Seattle-based [[Andries Gous]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/harmeet-singh-goes-first-in-mlc-draft-to-seattle-orcas-ali-khan-and-unmukt-chand-snapped-by-la-knight-riders-1364457 |author=Peter Della Penna |date=March 20, 2023 |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |title=Harmeet Singh goes first in MLC Draft to Seattle Orcas; Ali Khan and Unmukt Chand snapped by LA Knight Riders |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref> [[Dane Piedt]], [[Mukhtar Ahmed (cricketer)|Mukhtar Ahmed]], and [[Saad Ali]] were also all picked up by the team, with South African quick [[Anrich Nortje]] announced as a direct signing during the draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiatoday.in/visualstories/sports/finch-hasaranga-headline-mlc-draft-27170-20-03-2023 |first=Kingshuk |last=Kasari |publisher=[[India Today]] |date=March 20, 2023 |title=Finch, Hasaranga highlight MLC Draft |access-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 17, 2023 |title=From India to the USA: Five IPL 2023 stars set to light up Major League Cricket |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/india-usa-five-ipl-2023-stars-major-league-cricket-mlc-2023 |access-date=15 April 2025 |publisher=[[Wisden Cricket Monthly|Wisden]]}}</ref> Further signings were made throughout May and June, consisting of the likes of [[Marco Jansen]], [[Akeal Hosein]], and New Zealander [[Glenn Phillips (cricketer)|Glenn Phillips]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clubcricket.co.za/latestnews/another-proteas-all-rounder-joins-major-league-cricket-in-usa |publisher=ClubCricketSA |title=Marco Jansen joins Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, USA |date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/sport/australian-trio-matthew-wade-moises-henriques-adam-zampa-to-feature-in-major-league-cricket/1599494 |author=ANI |publisher=[[ThePrint]] |date=May 28, 2023 |title=Australian trio Matthew Wade, Moises Henriques, Adam Zampa to feature in Major League Cricket |access-date=June 9, 2023}}</ref>

Ahead of the inaugural season opener, the team announced it would be led by Australian [[Moises Henriques]] and coached by [[Greg Shipperd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricket.com.au/news/zampa-wade-henriques-philippe-dwarshuis-sign-major-league-cricket-mlc-deals-washington-freedom/2023-05-28 |first=Jack |last=Paynter |date=May 28, 2023 |publisher=[[Cricket Australia]] |title=Zampa, Wade, Henriques add to MLC's Aussie influx |access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/126700/mlc-2023-dale-steyn-appointed-bowling-coach-of-washington-freedom |first=Smit |last=Patel |date=May 31, 2023 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]] |title=Dale Steyn appointed bowling coach of Washington Freedom |access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> [[Tanveer Sangha]] was brought on in early July as a replacement for [[Wanindu Hasaranga]], who dropped out, while [[Matthew Short]] was added to the squad as an injury replacement for Josh Philippe.

During the group stage, the Freedom were narrowly defeated by [[Seattle Orcas|Seattle]] before a six-run defense against [[Texas Super Kings|Texas]] marked the team's first victory in the tournament. They would then proceed to prevail in a run chase of 176 against [[Los Angeles Knight Riders|Los Angeles]] and demolish [[San Francisco Unicorns|San Francisco]] by 30 runs, ensuring a playoff berth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://a-sports.tv/russell-70-vain-washington-freedom-sink-la-knight-riders-mlc/ |website=[[A Sports]] |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Russell's 70 in vain as Washington Freedom sink LA Knight Riders in MLC |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/127306/netravalkar-six-fer-fires-freedom-into-the-playoffs-cricbuzzcom |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=July 22, 2023 |title=Netravalkar six-fer fires Freedom into the Playoffs |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> A defeat at the hands of [[MI New York|New York]], however, would see them confined to a third-place group stage finish heading into the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/127324/pooran-puts-mi-new-york-in-race-for-top-two-finish-cricbuzzcom |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=July 23, 2023 |title=Pooran puts MI New York in race for top-two finish |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> New York would again defeat the Freedom in the Eliminator, taking them out of finals contention and ending their tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/major-league-cricket-mlc-final-week-nicholas-pooran-century-gives-mi-new-york-the-title-1390253 |first=Ashish |last=Pant |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=July 31, 2023 |title=MLC final week: Nicholas Pooran, and a bit of this and that |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref>

=== Dominance under Smith, Maxwell === During the [[2024 Major League Cricket season|2024]] and [[2025 Major League Cricket season|2025]] MLC seasons, the Freedom were considered to be one of the strongest and most dominant teams in the league.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/12/cricket-coming-niche-sport-carves-growing-us-footprint/ |first=Liam |last=Griffin |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |date=June 12, 2025 |title=Cricket is coming: Niche sport carves out growing U.S. footprint |access-date=July 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/major-league-cricket/mlc-2024-recap-washington-freedom-crowned-champions-in-dominant-season/articleshow/121355537.cms |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=May 23, 2025 |title=MLC 2024 Recap: Washington Freedom crowned champions in dominant season |access-date=July 21, 2025}}</ref> Following a good inaugural season, the team retained much of its overseas and domestic core, including [[Akeal Hosein]] and U.S. bulwarks [[Andries Gous]] and [[Saurabh Netravalkar]].<ref>{{cite news |title=INTERNATIONAL T20 SUPERSTARS RETURNING FOR MLC SEASON TWO |url=https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/news/132 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Major League Cricket}}</ref> Ahead of the 2024 season opener,<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2023 |title=MLC 2024 set for July 4 start |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/128821/mlc-2024-set-for-july-4-start-cricbuzzcom |access-date=December 16, 2023 |publisher=[[Cricbuzz]]}}</ref> the team signed, amongst others, domestics [[Ian Holland]], [[Yasir Mohammad]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Sagar |first=Singh |date=March 21, 2024 |title=MLC Domestic Draft: Hassan Khan, Joshua Tromp draw top dollars. Smit Patel unsold |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/129949/mlc-domestic-draft-hassan-khan-joshua-tromp-draw-top-dollars-smit-patel-unsold |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=Cricbuzz}}</ref> and future captains [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] and [[Glenn Maxwell]].<ref name="overseas">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/texas-super-kings-snap-up-daryl-mitchell-for-mlc-2024-romario-shepherd-goes-to-mi-new-york-1425723 |first=Singh |last=Sagar |website=ESPNcricinfo |date=March 21, 2024 |title=Texas Super Kings snap up Mitchell for MLC 2024, Shepherd goes to MI New York |access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>

With Smith appointed the team's captain and [[Ricky Ponting]] replacing Shipperd as head coach,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thecricketer.com/Topics/globalgame/ricky_ponting_strikes_blow_freedom_washington_job.html |first=Adam |last=Sherman |website=[[The Cricketer]] |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Ricky Ponting strikes blow for Freedom after landing top Washington job |access-date=July 21, 2025}}</ref> he led the Freedom through a dominant tournament – with Maxwell and fellow Australian teammate [[Travis Head]] firing with the bat and Netravalkar and [[New Zealand]]er [[Rachin Ravindra]] topping the league's bowling charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/131200/dominant-washington-freedom-crush-sf-unicorns-to-seal-mlc-2024-title-cricbuzzcom |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=July 28, 2024 |title=Dominant Washington Freedom crush SF Uncirons to seal MLC 2024 title |access-date=July 21, 2025}}</ref> In the group stage, they went top of the table by first recording a 3-0-1 record in [[Church Street Park|Morrisville]]. Barring one washout game against Texas, the Freedom defeated New York by 4 runs in a rain-affected endeavor, cruised past Seattle by 5 wickets, and crushed Los Angeles by 8 wickets. In [[Grand Prairie Stadium|Grand Prairie]], the team continued their undefeated streak by again defeating Los Angeles, steamrolling New York by 94 runs, and clinching a heavy 42-run victory over Texas. Their only defeat of the season came at the hands of San Francisco, as they were downed by 6 wickets. In the finals, the Freedom defeated the Unicorns by 96 runs to win their first title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2024-1432722/washington-freedom-vs-san-francisco-unicorns-final-1432750/match-report |first=Andrew |last=McGlashan |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Smith, Maxwell star in Washington Freedom's emphatic title win |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref>

The following year in February, ahead of the Freedom's third season, the team once again retained much of its overseas and domestic cadre, but had to let go of Head due to an overlapping [[Australian cricket team in West Indies in 2025|Australian tour of the West Indies]]. In the four-month leadup to the season opener, the Freedom made a slew of signings to fill up its remaining team spots, including [[Mitchell Owen]] and [[Glenn Phillips (cricketer)|Glenn Phillips]]. Amidst concern that Smith would not be able to play for the Freedom due to international commitments, the Freedom confirmed that they were eyeing a 2-match stint for him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2025/05/20/superstar-steve-smith-confirmed-for-short-stint-in-americas-major-league-cricket |first=Tristan |last=Lavalette |website=[[Forbes]] |date=May 20, 2025 |title=Superstar Steve Smith Confirmed For Short Stint In America's Major League Cricket |access-date=July 13, 2025}}</ref> Ultimately, due to an injury, he dropped out of the tournament as the captaincy role was given to Maxwell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mlc-2025-nicholas-pooran-and-glenn-maxwell-to-lead-mi-new-york-and-washington-freedom-respectively-1489672 |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=June 11, 2025 |title=MLC 2025: Pooran and Maxwell to lead MI New York and Washington Freedom respectively |access-date=July 13, 2025}}</ref>

As defending champions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2024-1432722/washington-freedom-vs-san-francisco-unicorns-final-1432750/match-report |first=Andrew |last=McGlashan |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Smith, Maxwell star in Washington Freedom's emphatic title win |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref> the Freedom began their season with a crushing 123-run loss to San Francisco – courtesy of [[Finn Allen]]'s mammoth 151.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://si.com/onsi/cricket/news-feed-page/finn-allen-lights-up-the-mlc-2025-with-a-record-breaking-century-in-the-opening-match-01jxn26vryq6 |first=Haider |last=Abbas |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=June 13, 2025 |title=Finn Allen Lights Up the MLC 2025 with a Record-Breaking Century in the Opening Match |access-date=June 25, 2025}}</ref> They quickly recovered, going 4-0 with a 5-wicket win over Seattle,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134641/mlc-2025-ian-holland-4-fer-downs-seattle-orcas-vs-washington-freedom-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=June 14, 2025 |title=Holland 4-fer downs Orcas |access-date=June 25, 2025}}</ref> a heavy 113-run Maxwell-powered victory over Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2025-1481991/los-angeles-knight-riders-vs-washington-freedom-8th-match-1481999/match-report |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=June 18, 2025 |title=Maxwell's century for Freedom consigns LAKR to heavy defeat |access-date=June 25, 2025}}</ref> a thrilling last-over 2-wicket game against New York,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c0j41q8n2jzo |website=[[BBC Sport|BBC]] |date=June 22, 2025 |title=Freedom beat MI for third successive win in MLC |access-date=June 25, 2025}}</ref> and a high-scoring 7-wicket chase against Texas.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://si.com/onsi/cricket/around-cricket-feed-page/record-breaking-chase-washington-freedom-stun-texas-super-kings-in-mlc-2025-thriller-01jyekezpxad |first=Faisal |last=Shah |date=June 23, 2025 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |title=Record-Breaking Chase: Washington Freedom Stun Texas Super Kings in MLC 2025 Thriller |access-date=June 25, 2025}}</ref> The Freedom closed off their [[Grand Prairie Stadium|Dallas]] leg of the tournament strong by again defeating Los Angeles via a last-ball single and delivering San Francisco a 12-run defeat, their first of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/in/cricket/news/watch-final-ball-blunder-costs-andre-russells-lakr-mlc-vs-wf/22294e484b09f94c637910fb |first=Aishik |last=Das |website=[[The Sporting News]] |date=June 27, 2025 |title=Final ball blunder costs Andre Russell's LA Knight Riders in MLC thriller vs Washington Freedom |access-date=June 28, 2025}}</ref> Ensured of a playoff berth, Washington headed into [[Broward County Stadium|Lauderhill]] with a 6-1 record, tied with San Francisco on points but lower on [[net run rate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134822/mitchell-owen-fifer-powers-washington-freedom-to-playoffs-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=June 28, 2025 |title=Mitchell Owen fifer powers Washington Freedom to playoffs |access-date=June 29, 2025}}</ref>

At Lauderhill, in a rain-affected game, the Freedom began poorly with a hefty 43-run defeat to Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://caribbeannationalweekly.com/sports/ranjane-and-ferreiras-firestorm-propels-texas-super-kings-to-2nd-in-mlc-sprint |first=Ian |last=Burnett |website=Caribbean National Weekly |date=July 4, 2025 |title=Ranjane and Ferreira's firestorm propels Texas Super Kings to 2nd in MLC sprint |access-date=July 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2025-1481991/texas-super-kings-vs-washington-freedom-23rd-match-1482014/match-report |first=Rashad |last=Mahbub |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=July 4, 2025 |title=Ranjane, Ferreira hit quick 30s to lift Texas Super Kings to No. 2 |access-date=July 8, 2025}}</ref> However, in a play for a top-two finish, the Freedom steamrolled Seattle by 8 wickets and eased past New York by 6 wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/major-league-cricket/mlc-2025-washington-freedom-bolster-top-two-chances-by-snapping-seattle-orcas-three-match-winning-run/articleshow/122262403.cms |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=July 5, 2025 |title=MLC 2025: Washington Freedom bolster top two chances by snapping Seattle Orcas' three-match winning run |access-date=July 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250705065105/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/major-league-cricket/mlc-2025-washington-freedom-bolster-top-two-chances-by-snapping-seattle-orcas-three-match-winning-run/articleshow/122262403.cms |archive-date=July 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134929/mlc-2025-washington-freedom-top-two-finish-glenn-maxwell-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=July 5, 2025 |title=Maxwell spins Washington Freedom to top-two finish |access-date=July 8, 2025}}</ref> After shooting up to a first-place group stage finish heading into the playoffs,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134945/surging-washington-freedom-set-sights-on-another-final-cricbuzzcom |first=Smit |last=Patel |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |date=July 8, 2025 |title=Surging Washington Freedom set sights on another final |access-date=July 8, 2025}}</ref> the Freedom advanced on higher seeding to play New York in the [[2025 Major League Cricket final|final]] following a Qualifier 1 washout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cn0zk4y8y31o.amp |website=[[BBC Sport]] |date=July 9, 2025 |title=Freedom qualify for MLC final after washout |access-date=July 13, 2025}}</ref> The Freedom ultimately were downed by 5 runs in a last-over thriller, providing New York with their second MLC championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2025-1481991/mi-new-york-vs-washington-freedom-final-1482025/match-report|title=Ugarkar holds his nerve to give MI New York second MLC title in last-over finish |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=July 14, 2025 |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>

== Home stadium == After previously eyeing George Mason University for a potential home stadium, the Freedom's plans were scrapped in early March of 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://president.gmu.edu/news/2024-03/update-proposed-joint-use-baseball-cricket-stadium-george-mason-university |first1=Gregory |last1=Washington |first2=Sanjay |last2=Govil |title=Update on Proposed Joint-Use Baseball-Cricket Stadium at George Mason University | Office of the President |website=[[George Mason University]] |quote="To be clear, George Mason University and the Washington Freedom have no plans to, and will not, commence any construction on such a facility... " |date=March 1, 2024 |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> Its construction had faced opposition from both students and university neighbors, hence the proposal's rejection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fairfax_county/neighbors-oppose-planned-mega-stadium-at-gmu/article_7b764b54-d1b6-11ee-897f-237ab172262f.html |newspaper=[[Fairfax Times]] |first=Jared |last=Wenzelburger |date=February 23, 2024 |title=Neighbors oppose planned 'mega stadium' at GMU |access-date=July 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223093653/https://fairfaxtimes.com/articles/fairfax_county/neighbors-oppose-planned-mega-stadium-at-gmu/article_7b764b54-d1b6-11ee-897f-237ab172262f.html |archive-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/gmu-cricket-stadium-proposal-scrapped/3579208/ |website=[[WRC-TV|NBC4 Washington]] |title=GMU cricket stadium proposal scrapped |date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> Thus, looking elsewhere, Freedom co-owner Sanjay Govil "lobbied top [D.C.] officials" for a cricket stadium on the defunct [[Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium|RFK Stadium]]'s campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/11/30/cricket-washington-rfk-stadium/ |first1=Aaron |last1=Weiner |first2=Michael |last2=Brice-Saddler |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=November 30, 2024 |title=Cricket in D.C.? Team owner lobbies city for stadium at RFK site. |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> The stadium, which was initially envisioned to be a temporary 4,000-seater stadium,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/12/03/washington-dc-cricket-stadium |website=Sports Business Journal |date=December 3, 2024 |title=Washington Freedom cricket owner lobbies for stadium at RFK site |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> evolved into a 10,000-seater proposal in the wake of the [[New Stadium at RFK Campus]] deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bizjournals.com/washington/news/2025/04/30/dc-commanders-stadium-pro-cricket-freedom-soccer.html |first=Dan |last=Brendel |website=[[Bizjournals]] |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Pro cricket team wants 10,000-seat venue to share Commanders' RFK campus |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref>

The team is also pushing for a potential stadium, which is described as a cricket park in a well-preserved green environment along the Monocacy River, in [[Frederick, Maryland]], situated in the [[Washington metropolitan area|D.C. metro area]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2025/06/28/a-home-ground-for-washington-freedom-could-ignite-cricket-in-maryland/ |first=Tristan |last=Lavalette |website=[[Forbes]] |date=June 28, 2025 |title=A Home Ground For Washington Freedom Could Ignite Cricket In Maryland |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> Called "Frederick Gateway", the facility would host a maximum of 10,000 spectators and currently requires rezoning of some land.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yahoo.com/news/cricket-stadium-25k-fans-could-035900543.html |first=Cameron |last=Adams |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=July 4, 2025 |title=Cricket stadium for up to 25K fans could bring major events; neighbors have questions |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> The rezoning proposal unanimously cleared the Frederick Planning Commission on July 14, 2025, and awaits the City Council, while a site plan could end up before the Commission in spring 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/real_estate_and_development/rezoning-for-cricket-stadium-project-gets-planners-recommendation-city-council-is-next/article_ea0aea88-ed81-532f-854f-a037a715895a.html |first=Cameron |last=Adams |newspaper=[[The Frederick News-Post]] |title=Rezoning for cricket stadium project gets planners' recommendation; City Council is next |date=July 16, 2025 |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref>

== Current squad == * Players with international caps are listed in '''bold'''. {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;" |+Washington Freedom roster |- ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;" |Name ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;" |{{Tooltip|Nat.|Nationality}} ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;" |Date of Birth ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;" |Batting Style ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;" |Bowling Style ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"|Year signed ! style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"|Notes |- ! colspan="7" style="background: #DCDCDC; text-align:center;" |Batters |- style="text-align:center" |[[Steve Smith (cricketer)|'''Steve Smith''']] | {{cr|AUS}}||{{Birth date and age|1989|6|2}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm leg spin|| 2024 || Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Travis Head]]''' |{{cr|AUS}} ||{{Birth date and age|1993|12|29}} |Left-handed |Right-arm-off spin |2024 |Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |[[Jack Edwards (cricketer, born 2000)|Jack Edwards]] |{{cr|AUS}}|| {{Birth date and age|2000|4|19}} || Right-handed || {{n/a}} |2024 |Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |[[Mukhtar Ahmed (cricketer)|'''Mukhtar Ahmed''']] | {{cr|PAK}}||{{Birth date and age|1992|12|20}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm leg break googly|| 2023 || |- ! colspan="7" style="background: #DCDCDC; text-align:center;" |All-rounders |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Mitchell Owen]]''' || {{cr|AUS}} || {{Birth date and age|2001|09|16|df=y}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm medium ||2025|| |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Glenn Maxwell]]''' | {{cr|AUS}}||{{Birth date and age|1988|10|14}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm off break|| 2024 || Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Rachin Ravindra]]''' | {{cr|NZ}} ||{{Birth date and age|1999|11|18}} ||Left-handed || Slow left-arm orthodox|| 2024 || Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Glenn Phillips (cricketer)|Glenn Phillips]]''' | {{cr|NZ}}||{{Birth date and age|1996|12|6}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm off break|| 2025 || Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |[[Obus Pienaar]] |{{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|1989|12|12}}|| Right-handed || Left-arm off spin|| 2023 || |-style="text-align:center" |[[Justin Dill]] |{{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|1994|11|10}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm medium fast|| 2023 || |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Ian Holland]]''' | {{cr|USA}} |||{{Birth date and age|1990|10|3}} || Right-handed ||Right-arm medium || 2024 || |- ! colspan="7" style="background: #DCDCDC; text-align:center;" |Wicket-keeper |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Andries Gous]]''' | {{cr|USA}}||{{Birth date and age|1993|11|24}}|| Right-handed || || 2023 || |-style="text-align:center" |[[Lahiru Milantha]] | {{cr|SL}} ||{{Birth date and age|1994|5|28}} ||Left-handed || || 2024 || |-style="text-align:center" ! colspan="7" style="background: #DCDCDC; text-align:center;" |Bowlers |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Saurabh Netravalkar]]''' |{{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|1991|10|16}}|| Right-handed || Left-arm medium fast|| 2023 || |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Jason Behrendorff]]''' |{{cr|AUS}} |20 April 1990 |Right-handed |Left-arm [[Fast bowling|fast]] |2025 |Direct signing |- style="text-align:center" |'''[[Lockie Ferguson]]''' | {{cr|NZL}}|||{{Birth date and age|1991|6|13}}|| Right-handed ||Right-arm fast|| 2024 || Direct signing |-style="text-align:center" |Akhilesh Bodugum |{{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|2000|04|28}}|| Right-handed || Right-arm off spin|| 2023 || U23 player |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Amila Aponso]]''' | {{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|1993|6|23}}|| Right-handed ||Slow left-arm orthodox|| 2024 || |-style="text-align:center" |'''[[Yasir Mohammad]]''' | {{cr|USA}}|||{{Birth date and age|2002|10|10}}|| Left-handed ||Legbreak Googly|| 2024 || |- |}

== Administration and support staff == {| class="wikitable" |+Washington Freedom staff !style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"|Position !style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"|Name |- |scope="row"|Head coach |[[Ricky Ponting]] |- |General Manager |[[Michael Klinger]]

|- |scope="row"|Bowling coach |[[Dale Steyn]] |- |scope="row"|Assistant coach |[[Samit Patel]] |- |scope="row"|Team manager |Andrew Lynch |- |scope="row"|Strength and conditioning |[[Umar Gul]] |- |scope="row"|High performance analyst |[[Zamir Khan]] |- |scope="row"|Physiotherapist |[[Noor Ali Zadran]] |}

===Coaching history===

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+Administration changes |- !scope="col"|Name ! Season !scope="col"|Change !scope="col"|Role

|- | [[Greg Shipperd]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=washingtonfreedom_admin |date=February 6, 2024 |title=Cricket great Ricky Ponting appointed head coach of Washington Freedom |url=https://www.washingtonfreedom.com/cricket-great-ricky-ponting-appointed-head-coach-of-washington-freedom/ |access-date=June 1, 2024 |website=Washington Freedom |language=en-US}}</ref> |2023 | Resigned | Head Coach |- | [[Ricky Ponting]]<ref>{{cite news |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Ricky Ponting in the USA: Australia great named Washington Freedom coach in Major League Cricket |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mlc-2024-ricky-ponting-usa-australia-great-washington-freedom-coach-major-league-cricket-2498559-2024-02-07 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=India Today}}</ref> |2024 | Appointed | Head coach |- |}

== Seasons == === Summaries === {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%" !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Season !style="background:#000028; color:white" |{{nowrap|{{Abbr | W–L | Win–loss record in regular season}}}} !style="background:#000028; color:white" |{{Abbr | Pos. | Ladder position after regular season}} !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Finals !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Coach !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Captain !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Most Runs !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Most Wickets !style="background:#000028; color:white" |Refs |-align=center |[[2023 Major League Cricket season|2023]] |3-3 |3rd |SF |[[Greg Shipperd]] |[[Moises Henriques]] |[[Matthew Short]] (152) |[[Saurabh Netravalkar]] (10) |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/major-league-cricket-2023-15244 |website=ESPNcricinfo |title=Major League Cricket, 2023 - Stats and Records |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> |-align=center ||[[2024 Major League Cricket season|2024]] |7-1 |1st |style="background: gold" |C |[[Ricky Ponting]] | [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] | [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] (336) |[[Saurabh Netravalkar]] (15) |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/major-league-cricket-2024-16317 |website=ESPNcricinfo |title=Major League Cricket, 2024 - Stats and Records |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> |-align=center ||[[2025 Washington Freedom season|2025]] | 8-2 | 1st | style="background: silver" |R | Ricky Ponting | [[Glenn Maxwell]] | [[Mitchell Owen]] (313) | [[Jack Edwards (cricketer, born 2000)|Jack Edwards]] (14)<br />Mitchell Owen (14) |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/major-league-cricket-2025-17147 |website=ESPNcricinfo |title=Major League Cricket, 2025 - Stats and Records |access-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> |}

=== Tournament finishes === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" !style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"| Year !style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"| League standing !style="background:#000028; color:white; text-align:center;"| Final standing |- |[[2023 Major League Cricket season|2023]] |3rd out of 6 | style="background: #cfc" |Semifinals |- |[[2024 Major League Cricket season|2024]] |1st out of 6 | style="background: gold" |Champions |- |[[2025 Major League Cricket season|2025]] |2nd out of 6 | style="background: silver" |Runners-up |} * {{color box|border=darkgray|gold}} '''C''': champions * {{color box|border=darkgray|silver}} RU: runner-up * {{color box|border=darkgray|cfc}} SF team qualified for the semi-final stage of the competition

=== Statistics === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" !Year !Played !Wins !Losses !Tied/NR{{efn|NR indicates "no result"; abandoned matches are indicated as no result.}} |- ![[2023 Washington Freedom season|2023]] |6 |3 |3 |0 |- ![[2024 Washington Freedom season|2024]] |9 |7 |1 |1 |- ![[2025 Washington Freedom season|2025]] |10 |8 |2 |0 |- | colspan="5" |Source: ESPNCricinfo<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Major league Cricket Points Table |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/major-league-cricket-2023-1357742/points-table-standings |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=[[ESPNCricinfo]]}}</ref> |} <!-- ==Records and statistics==

=== Batting records ===

==== Most runs ==== {| class="wikitable" ! Batsman ! Years ! {{Tooltip|Mat|Matches played}} ! {{Tooltip|Inns|Innings}} ! Runs |- |} === Bowling Records ===

==== Most Wickets ==== {| class="wikitable" ! Bowler ! Seasons ! {{Tooltip|Mat|Matches played}} ! Wickets |- |} -->

== Notes == {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Washington Freedom (MLC)}} {{Major League Cricket}} {{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cricket teams in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Major League Cricket teams]] [[Category:2023 establishments in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Cricket clubs established in 2023]]