Shane Watson in KKR camp during IPL 2026. PC- X/KKRWeRule
Ahead of the massive season of the Major League Cricket (MLC 2026), the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) have signed Shane Watson as the mentor.
Watson linked up with the Knight Riders franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) to serve as the Assistant Coach at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The Australian legend has been one of the leading names in world cricket and a household name in franchise cricket. After retiring from professional sport in 2020, he took over as a coach.
Miserable journey for LAKR in MLC over the years
Despite having the biggest names in T20 cricket, the Los Angeles Knight Riders have not been able to do well in the Major League Cricket in the first three editions of the league.
In three seasons, LAKR have finished at the bottom of the points table twice and in the penultimate position once.
As a result, the franchise decided to move on from their former captain Jason Holder as well as a major chunk of its core members.
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For MLC 2026, the team management has picked a strong 16-member strong, including Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Narine Narine and Andre Russell as notable names.
Shane Watson joins LAKR for MLC 2026
Late on Wednesday evening, LAKR announced via social media that Shane Watson had been signed as the mentor for the upcoming season.
The prolific Australian all-rounder will work closely with Dwayne Bravo, who is Los Angeles' head coach. The two legendary T20 cricketers were part of the KKR’s coaching staff in the recently concluded IPL season, where they finished seventh.
It is worth noting that Watson has already been part of an MLC team, serving as the head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns in the first two editions.
Moreover, the 44-year-old has coached Delhi Capitals (assistant coach) in the IPL and the Quetta Gladiators (PSL 2024–2025).
LAKR constructing Pomona stadium for LA28
In other news, the Los Angeles Knight Riders inaugurated a cricket stadium in Los Angeles in association with the ICC. The stadium, named the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, is constructed on the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona.
The newly constructed stadium will serve as the venue for seven MLC games but will primarily be the home of cricket during the historic LA28 Summer Olympic Games, headlining the return of cricket after 128 years.
"The journey over the next two years will see many such milestones which enhance the sense of occasion, culture and community, as cricket's home for LA28 is built in Pomona," ICC's press release had said earlier this year.
The MLC 2026 will kickstart on June 19, with the campaign opener between Texas Super Kings and Seattle Orcas. Meanwhile, Los Angeles will play their first game of the season against Shane Watson's former MLC team on June 20.
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