Major League Cricket Enters Pivotal Second Season

Salary caps will not increase, according to sources, but player wages will remain in the top echelons of T20 professional leagues as America's Major League Cricket unveiled an expanded schedule for its second season.

The six-team MLC made a historic debut last season as cricket continues a determined push into the world's biggest sports market. As I reported, the MLC exceeded financial targets with revenues of $8 million, but that has not led to an increase in salary caps, according to sources, for the upcoming season played in July.

Salary caps for teams are set to remain the same, but top players will still be handsomely remunerated and earn $175,000 for a minimum of five games - rivalling the highest figure per game in T20 leagues outside of the money-spinning Indian Premier league.

It's led to many stars from major cricket nations lured to the U.S, including from powerhouse Australia who don't play international cricket in July unlike last year when they had an Ashes tour.

Like last season, teams will be allowed six overseas players per starting eleven, according to sources, which is more than the quota of four accepted in established leagues.

Amid an outcry, fearing the sanctity of international cricket, governing body the International Cricket Council tightened regulations last year with teams in official T20 leagues only allowed to field four overseas players.

The rule did not come into effect for the MLC or the well-heeled UAE league, but it is believed the MLC is targeting to comply with the ICC regulations in the coming seasons.

Read more here