Shah Rukh Khan recently celebrated a significant milestone for the Knight Riders family as the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) clinched their very first Major League Cricket (MLC) title with a nail-biting one-run victory over the Washington Freedom in the 2026 final. The Bollywood superstar, who co-owns the franchise, praised his players for fulfilling their promise to win instead of just participating.
He described this victory as another leap forward for cricket's growth in the United States and emphasized the importance of the new LAKR stadium. This latest championship also showcases the franchise's expanding influence in promoting cricket across America through MLC, a league designed to enhance the sport's visibility ahead of its return during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The franchise's home ground at Fairplex in Pomona, California, was officially inaugurated by Shah Rukh Khan in July 2026.
After the title win, Shah Rukh Khan posted an emotional message on social media, “The LAKR stadium. The championship….cricket in America….awesome @SunilPNarine74 @Jaseholder98 @Russell12A and all of the team. Absolutely outstanding. You all said we are here to win not just participate….and u showed it. Love u all….Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo!”
His celebration came after LAKR edged Washington Freedom by just one run in a thrilling final.
Los Angeles Knight Riders Hold Their Nerve To Clinch the Final
The Major League Cricket final at the Oakland Coliseum gave us one of the tournament's most nail-biting finishes. Batting first, the Los Angeles Knight Riders found themselves bowled out for 164 in just 19.4 overs. Andre Fletcher was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 47 runs, while Colin Munro chipped in with 40 and Matthew Tromp added 39, helping the team surpass the 160 mark. On the bowling side, Ben Dwarshuis shone for Washington Freedom, finishing with impressive figures of 3/31.
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Washington Freedom seemed to have the upper hand at various points, but the LAKR squad made a strong comeback thanks to their seasoned all-rounders. Captain Sunil Narine was a force to be reckoned with, tearing through the top order and ending with remarkable figures of 3/13, taking out Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, and Steven Smith during the powerplay. Jason Holder also made his mark, claiming three wickets, including his milestone 400th T20 wicket, putting Freedom under serious pressure, despite a valiant 53 from Obus Pienaar and 40 from Andries Gous.
As the match reached its climax, Washington needed 14 runs in the final over. Pienaar kicked things off with a six, but Shadley van Schalkwyk quickly turned the tide by bowling him out with a perfectly placed yorker. He followed that up by dismissing Ian Holland shortly after, while Lockie Ferguson managed to keep the chase alive with a boundary.
Unfortunately, the last few deliveries only yielded singles, and in a dramatic finish, Lahiru Milantha was run out trying to take a second run off the final ball. Washington ended their innings at 163/9, giving the Los Angeles Knight Riders a thrilling one-run victory and their first MLC title. This win also marked the 10th trophy for the Knight Riders franchise network worldwide.
