Steve Smith Set to Feature in MLC 2025 After WTC Final

Former Australian captain Steve Smith has announced his cameo yet exciting role in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Smith will return to the Washington Freedom team, the side he led to victory last season. It is a bold decision from the star Australia batter as it will give him less time to prepare for his international assignments.

There had been doubts about Smith’s availability this year in Major League Cricket (MLC) because of Australia’s tight Test schedule. However, Smith has managed to make room for a short MLC stint and will be a part of the defending champions Washington Freedom. It is a major boost for them as Smith is one of their marquee players.

Steve Smith MLC 2025 Return

Steve Smith MLC's stint will be short and just for two matches for Washington Freedom. These games are scheduled between Australia’s international assignments. After the WTC final, Smith will play the match against LA Knight Riders on June 17 in Oakland and MI New York on June 21 in Dallas. Hence, he will have just two days to prepare for the MLC 2025 after the WTC final against South Africa.

Washington Freedom’s general manager, Michael Klinger, confirmed the news. “It’s great to have Steve Smith again with us this season, even if it’s only for two matches. That continuity is really important for us. Steve was a fantastic leader last year and a key reason we won the title,” Klinger said.

Smith’s presence is a big boost for MLC 2025. Many top players like Pat Cummins, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Marco Jansen, and Ryan Rickelton will miss the entire season due to their international commitments. Smith is based partly in New York. He is also deeply interested in growing the game in the U.S. He has also expressed his desire to play the 2028 Olympics for Australia.

Although he retired from ODIs in March, Smith is still active in Tests and T20Is. He hasn’t featured in T20 Internationals since February 2024. But he hopes to return for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. Smith has proven before that he can switch from Test to T20 cricket with ease. Just days after Australia’s historic Test series win over India in early 2025, he smashed a century for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

Packed Schedule for Australia

Australia will play South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s from June 11 to June 15. Right after that, they will travel to the Caribbean, where they will play three Test matches and five T20Is. The first Test against the West Indies starts on June 25 in Barbados. That gives Smith a small window between June 15 and June 25. He will use this break to play two matches in MLC.

Steven Smith's team, Washington Freedom, have made some exciting additions to their squad. They have signed the Australian batter Mitchell Owen, alongside the fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff and Ben Sears. Since Smith will miss most of the season, a new captain is likely to be announced soon.
Washington Freedom will start their campaign on June 12. They face San Francisco Unicorns in a rematch of last year’s final. The game will be held at the Oakland Coliseum.