Shah Rukh Khan saluted the Los Angeles Knight Riders after the franchise won its first Major League Cricket (MLC) title, congratulating the players for fulfilling their promise to win the championship and celebrating another landmark moment for the growth of cricket in the United States. The Bollywood superstar, who co-owns the franchise, took to social media after LAKR beat the Washington Freedom in a dramatic final at the Oakland Coliseum. Praising the team’s effort, Shah Rukh he singled out senior stars Sunil Narine, Jason Holder and Andrew Russell while applauding the entire team for delivering the club’s first MLC crown.
Shah Rukh Khan post
“The LAKR stadium. The championship….cricket in America….fantastic @SunilPNarine74 @Jaseholder98 @Russell12A and the whole team. Absolutely outstanding. You all said we are here to win not just to participate….and you showed it. I love everyone…. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo! Shah Rukh posted. The title win comes just weeks after Shah Rukh officially opened the Knight Riders Cricket Stadium in California. Located at the Fairplex in Pomona, Los Angeles County, the venue is the home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Inaugurated in July 2026, the stadium currently has a capacity of around 5,000 with temporary seats and is expected to expand to more than 20,000 permanent seats. LAKR sealed the championship with a thrilling win over defending champions Washington Freedom after successfully defending 164 in a contest that went down to the final ball. Sunil Narine and Jason Holder, who together have claimed more than 1,000 T20 wickets, produced decisive spells to put the Washington Liberty under immense pressure. Narine struck early dismissing Mitchell Owen for the third time in other meetings before removing Rachin Ravindra and Steve Smith, reducing Liberty to 29/3. Andries Gous and Nikhil Chaudhary steadied the chase with a 65-run partnership, but Holder turned the tide again by dismissing Chaudhary for his 400th T20 wicket before removing Ben Dwarshuis and later Gous. Obus Pienaar almost sealed victory with a breathtaking 53 from just 24 balls, smashing Liberty back into contention with a series of towering sixes. The equalizer came just two runs off the final delivery, but Pienaar’s dismissal in the last over proved decisive. Lahiru Milantha was then run out to attempt the second run off the final ball, giving the Knight Riders a dramatic win and their first MLC title. Earlier, LAKR posted 164 after Colin Munro and Andre Fletcher gave them a quick start, but Washington Liberty fought back through Nikhil Chaudhary, Rachin Ravindra and Ben Dwarshuis with regular wickets to limit the total. However, Narine and Holder’s experience with the ball ultimately proved the difference as the Knight Riders lifted the trophy for the first time, ending MI New York and Washington Freedom’s early dominance in the league.