6 of the best homegrown heroes in Major League Cricket, USA
As we all know cricket has traditionally been dominated by the major Test playing nations. Countries like India, England, Australia, and South Africa have traditionally been the dominant forces.
Slowly but surely however new nations are starting to make their mark as countries like Afghanistan and Ireland enter the fray. Another nation starting to make an impact is America, thanks in part to the advent of Major League Cricket.
Launched in 2023, MLC has brought international attention and star power to American cricket. While much of the buzz surrounds overseas players like Faf du Plessis, Nicholas Pooran, and Rashid Khan, the real heartbeat of MLC lies in the emergence of genuine homegrown talent.
Several players born and raised in the United States have begun to carve out reputations as top-tier professionals – not just in the domestic setup, but also against international stars.
With the new season of Major League Cricket starting to raise its head on the horizon, let’s take a moment to uncover some of the more prominent U.S. born cricketers who’ve made an impact in Major League Cricket so far.
1. Steven Taylor (Los Angeles Knight Riders)
Born: Florida, USA
Steven Taylor is arguably the face of U.S.-born cricket talent. A hard-hitting left-handed opener, Taylor brings flair and aggression to the top of the order — something MLC fans have seen plenty of while he’s represented the Los Angeles Knight Riders.
Taylor has been on the radar for a long time, having made his debut for the United States of America national cricket team in 2010. He also had stints in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with the Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors.
In MLC, he’s provided fast starts and key breakthroughs with his off spin. As one of the most seasoned American-born cricketers, Taylor continues to be a cornerstone of the domestic game. Still only 31 he averages 31,61 in T20Is.
2. Ali Khan (Los Angeles Knight Riders)
Born: New York, USA
Ali Khan may be best known for his heroics in the Caribbean Premier League and brief IPL stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he was born in New York and has gone on to represent the United States at international level.
A fiery fast bowler with an eye for yorkers and bouncers, Khan is the kind of player who adds x-factor to any T20 side. His presence in the MLC — especially with a big-name franchise like the LA Knight Riders — provides star appeal and valuable pace-bowling depth.
3. Sushant Modani (Texas Super Kings)
Born: New Jersey, USA
Sushant Modani has quietly built a reputation as one of the most consistent middle-order batsmen in the U.S. cricket structure. While not the most explosive player in the league, Modani brings a touch of solidity and composure that’s often needed in pressure moments.
Playing for the Texas Super Kings, Modani has shown he can rotate the strike, anchor an innings, and find the boundary when needed. His calm temperament is well-suited to the demands of T20 cricket, and he’s viewed as a valuable asset who can fill multiple roles.
4. Jessy Singh (Texas Super Kings)
Born: New Jersey, USA
Another true American-born player, Jessy Singh is a pace-bowling all-rounder with a growing profile. He’s played for the U.S. national team and was picked up by the Texas Super Kings in MLC, where he impressed with his tight lines and deceptive slower balls.
Singh also contributes with the bat in the lower order and has proved useful in high-pressure situations. His physicality and competitive edge make him a promising domestic player with potential for further growth.
5. Nisarg Patel (Los Angeles Knight Riders)
Born: Anaheim, California
A left-arm orthodox spinner with international experience for USA cricket, Nisarg Patel has quietly emerged as one of the more effective American bowlers in the shorter formats. His role in MLC has largely been to stifle batters during the middle overs, which he does with sharp angles and a calm head.
Patel’s ability to control the run rate and build pressure allows teams to attack at the other end — a role he has performed well for the LA Knight Riders. He’s also a handy lower-order batsman.
6. Kyle Phillip (MI New York)
Born: Brooklyn, New York
An athletic fast bowler with a smooth action, Kyle Phillip has been one of the more promising American quicks in the MLC setup. Representing MI New York, he’s bowled with pace and aggression, often taking the new ball and setting the tone.
Though Phillip has faced challenges with consistency, his raw talent and homegrown status make him one of the most exciting prospects in the U.S. system.