The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 domestic draft has concluded, with 17 players selected across six franchises in a competitive selection process. This year’s draft delivered some surprising outcomes, including the unexpected omission of former USA captain Steven Taylor, who went unsold despite his past success.
At the same time, teams showed strong interest in pace bowlers and experienced international players, highlighting a clear strategy to balance domestic talent with global experience.
Taylor Finds No Takers
Former USA captain Steven Taylor went unsold in this year’s draft. The 33-year-old opener had been the number one overall pick for MI New York in the first-ever MLC draft. He was later released by the Seattle Orcas ahead of the 2026 draft. No team placed a bid for him this time around.
Jayasuriya Back At Seattle Orcas
Shehan Jayasuriya returns to the Seattle Orcas after being released last year. The 34-year-old left-handed batter and off-spinner previously played 12 ODIs and 18 T20Is for Sri Lanka between 2015 and 2020.
He had also been named in USA’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He recently scored a first-class hundred back home ahead of his return to the Orcas.
Fast Bowlers in Demand
Several pace bowlers were picked in the draft. Texas Super Kings added former Sri Lanka A seamer Amshi de Silva and ex-India U19 quick Abhimanyu Lamba. MI New York signed Afghanistan-born left-arm pacer Faisal Khan Ahmedzai.
The San Francisco Unicorns added Mohammad Ilyas, a former Karachi Kings pacer, and the experienced Zia ul Haq. Los Angeles Knight Riders used their first pick on South African quick Carmi le Roux. All of these fast bowlers were secured in the $50,000 bracket.
Other Notable Picks
MI New York moved to sign all-rounder Corey Anderson after his release from the San Francisco Unicorns. Anderson previously played for MI New York, scoring a notable 95 in a must-win match at the Wankhede Stadium.
Aakarshit Gomel, the former Mumbai opener, joined the San Francisco Unicorns after three seasons in the minor league. Former West Indies player Raymon Reifer was picked by the Seattle Orcas as a domestic player.
Overall Draft Breakdown
A total of 17 players were drafted. A large share of those picked had List A experience from full member nations. The MLC has, over its short history, leaned on players with international or full-member domestic backgrounds rather than those who have risen through the American cricket system.
However, the domestic pipeline has been growing, with players like Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Sai Teja Mukkamalla emerging through the league.
