In a landmark moment for global cricket, Bollywood superstar and co-owner of the Knight Riders Group, Shah Rukh Khan, officially inaugurated the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles, California. The state-of-the-art arena, developed in collaboration with Major League Cricket (MLC), marks the first time a global cricket franchise has established a permanent, international-standard stadium in the United States.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by a historic first competitive fixture at the venue, featuring a high-octane clash between the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) and Washington Freedom. This event signals the arrival of a world-class cricketing hub in the heart of Southern California, perfectly timed to build momentum for cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Located in Pomona, the stadium is the result of a long-term strategic partnership between the Knight Riders Group and Fairplex. The development of the ground has been nothing short of an engineering feat; construction crews moved over 32,000 metric tonnes of earth to reshape the site into a professional-grade playing surface.
The stadium’s technical specifications are designed to meet rigorous international requirements:
- Main Square: Features eight specialized wickets.
- Infrastructure: Six floodlight towers, each standing 120 feet tall, allowing for world-class night matches.
- Dimensions: Built to official ICC playing standards to accommodate top-tier T20 cricket.
Reflecting on the emotional significance of the project, Shah Rukh Khan shared his vision for what the space represents for the local community and the sport.
“What started as a dream has become a reality today,” said Khan. “Bringing cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, to Los Angeles is a landmark moment for all of us. Through this long-term partnership, we are creating much more than a cricket venue. We are building a space that celebrates community, togetherness, energy, and entertainment.”
He further emphasized that the venue is designed to be an accessible space for everyone. “It is a place built not just for sport, but also for entertainment, for families, and for memories that will last forever. We hope this becomes a home for cricket in Los Angeles and inspires generations of fans and players alike. This is for Los Angeles, for cricket fans across the globe, and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in Purple and Gold.”
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is slated to host a series of Major League Cricket matches from July 1 through July 5, 2026. By establishing this infrastructure, the Knight Riders Group—which already owns franchises in Kolkata, Trinidad and Tobago, and Abu Dhabi—continues to cement its status as the world’s most expansive cricket franchise network.
The timing of the stadium’s opening is particularly significant. With the sport set to make its return to the Olympic stage at the LA 2028 Games, this venue is expected to serve as a vital piece of infrastructure for training and competitive play in the coming years. ICC Chair Jay Shah also hailed the project as a “key milestone” for the growth of cricket in non-traditional markets.
As the tournament continues through the week, the Knight Riders Cricket Ground is set to host several more matchups, including clashes involving the Seattle Orcas, MI New York, and the Texas Super Kings, bringing the intensity of global T20 cricket directly to the American sports landscape.
