Steve Smith during a press conference (Source: AFP Photos)
From beginning his career as a leg-spinner to becoming one of the finest batters the world has ever seen, the story of Steve Smith is nothing but a fairytale. In between, he had a ball-tampering scandal, making his illustrious career look more than just a word ‘interesting’.
The ball-tampering scandal took the Australian captaincy away from Steve Smith. However, he will soon be back in action as a captain, this time in America.
Washington Freedom Name Steve Smith Captain For MLC 2026
There is an elite T20 competition in America, known as Major League Cricket (MLC), which began in 2023. The franchise named Washington Freedom is one of the most consistent teams there, winning MLC 2024 and finishing as runner-ups in MLC 2025.
Last year, Glenn Maxwell, another popular face from Australia, was the captain of Washington Freedom. This time, Smith will take charge of the side for the upcoming MLC 2026, as confirmed by the franchise.
More significantly, Ricky Ponting is the head coach of the Washington Freedom. Ponting, who takes charge of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), joined the Washington Freedom back in 2024 and has been taking leadership duties from the dug out since then.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting Snatches BCCI's Credit For Shreyas Iyer's Captaincy Appointment
Now, it will be interesting to see how Ponting and Smith, two of the best Australians with the willow in different generations, will work together, again.
Did Steve Smith Play MLC Before?
Steve Smith was the captain of Washington Freedom during their successful MLC 2024 stint, which they eventually won by defeating San Francisco Unicorns in the final.
During the season, Smith was the third-highest run-getter in the competition, having made 336 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 148.67. Ponting was the coach back then as well.
When Did Steve Smith Last Play?
Steve Smith was last in action in Pakistan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). There, he played under Australian teammate Ashton Turner and won six out of 10 matches.
Smith was in decent touch there, making 380 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 161.70.
Unfortunately, Hyderabad Kingsmen, led by Smith’s partner-in-crime Marnus Labuschagne, knocked them out in Eliminator 1.
When Will MLC 2026 Begin?
The fourth edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) will get underway on June 18, with Texas Super Kings going up against Seattle Orcas to kick off the proceedings. Smith’s return as captain in MLC will happen on June 20 when Washington Freedom will face Seattle Orcas at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
There will be 34 T20 matches in MLC 2026, with six teams: Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, and Texas Super Kings competing against Washington Freedom for the prestigious trophy.
The final will take place at Oakland Coliseum, California, on July 18, and there will be a Qualifier, Eliminator and Challenger with four qualified teams for the next round.
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