MLC 2026 at Fairplex in Pomona – LAKR Announce Field

Cricket in Los Angeles has taken a defining step forward. The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) have officially announced the development of a cricket stadium at Fairplex in Pomona, positioning the venue as a host site for Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 and a long-term hub for the sport in Southern California.

A Stadium Built for the Big Stage

The newly unveiled Knight Riders Cricket Field at Fairplex signals serious intent. Though it is expected to be a barebones facility as we head to the 2026 MLC season, expect a worldclass Cricket infrastructure at the Fairplex by the time the Olympic Games roll around. As MLC continues its expansion across the United States, Los Angeles is emerging as a key market with the infrastructure to support and grow top-tier competition. The venue is expected to serve as:

• A host ground for MLC 2026
• A permanent training and operational base for LAKR
• A platform for future international (Olympics) and domestic fixtures

“The unveiling of the Knight Riders Cricket Field marks a significant milestone in our journey to grow cricket in Los Angeles and across the United States.”
— Los Angeles Knight Riders, official release

Building Presence in Pomona

Leading up to this announcement, the Los Angeles Knight Riders have actively engaged with the Pomona community, signaling their arrival ahead of the 2026 season. These activations reflect a clear strategy: embedding cricket within the cultural fabric of the community while building awareness and excitement.

• Pomona Christmas Parade
• BAPS Diwali Mela

Leadership Vision

The Knight Riders leadership reinforced the importance of Los Angeles in their global vision.

“We are incredibly excited about what Los Angeles represents for the future of cricket in the United States.”
— Shah Rukh Khan

“This venue is an important step in building a strong cricketing foundation in this market.”
— Venky Mysore

MiLC Momentum: A Pathway Already in Motion

Beyond Major League Cricket, this development could unlock opportunities at the Minor League level. There is growing optimism that Minor League Cricket (MiLC) 2026 may receive the green light to utilize the Fairplex venue, creating a natural competitive pathway within the same ecosystem. This alignment would connect— all within a unified Los Angeles-based structure.

• MiLC/MLC-backed grassroots and youth cricket
• Minor League competition (MiLC) — Los Angeles Lashings
• Major League Cricket (MLC) — Los Angeles Knight Riders

Los Angeles Enters the Global Conversation

With cricket returning at the LA28 Olympic Games, infrastructure like Fairplex—already identified as the venue for Olympic cricket in 2028—becomes critical for the future of the game. This investment by Major League Cricket, and particularly the Knight Riders Group, aligns directly with that vision, reinforcing Pomona as a long-term cricket destination on the global stage.

“This facility will serve as a foundation for nurturing talent and creating more opportunities for players and fans alike.”
— Los Angeles Knight Riders, official release

What This MAY Mean for Southern California Cricket

For the broader cricket ecosystem in Los Angeles, this is more than a FIELD announcement—it’s validation for LA. With the potential addition of MiLC fixtures featuring the Los Angeles Lashings, the region could soon see consistent, high-level cricket played on home soil.

• Professional franchise investment is arriving
• Infrastructure is being built locally
• Community engagement is already underway
• Pathways from youth to pro are becoming foreseeable

Source / MAP

https://www.lakriders.us/news/la-knight-riders-unveil-the-knight-riders-cricket-field-at-fairplex-in-pomona-ca