Major League Cricket and its Washington D.C.-based investor Sanjay Govil have reached an agreement to work with George Mason University to study the feasibility of a new multi-purpose cricket and baseball facility.
The ballpark would be designed to host MLC matches, Mason baseball games, and other events on the university’s Fairfax Campus. MLC is a new Twenty20 competition which aims to build the sport’s reputation in the US.
Govil, a founding investor in MLC, founder and chairman of Infinite Computer Solutions and chief executive of Zyter, is providing funding support for the study and plan development. The effort represents part of the league’s long-term strategic plan for US cricket.
It is hoped the stadium could be operational by the summer of 2025. The venue would be home to an MLC franchise in Washington D.C. and feature a pitch that meets International Cricket Council accreditation.
Mason’s main campus is located in Fairfax County, Virginia. MLC is working with architecture firm HKS on a cross-functional design that maximises facility utilisation. HKS is already developing multiple cricket stadium concepts for the league across the US.
Govil said: “This study with Mason is an important milestone in a new era for Major League Cricket and international matches in the United States and brings new athletic resources to George Mason University and the region.
“We look forward to taking the next steps to fully realise a vision for the first international cricket venue in the northeastern United States.”
Mason president Gregory Washington said: “Mason is the educational, economic and cultural hub of one of the most dynamic regions in the country and is the most diverse public university in Virginia.
“This opportunity would bring the second-most popular global media sport to the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area and base it at a location known for attracting international students and audiences. At the same time, this proposed facility would enhance the Mason athletic experience for our student-athletes, alumni network, and fan base.”
MLC recently set July 13, 2023 as its launch date as it outlined further details concerning its venue development plans. The opening match will take place at the newly-constructed Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
