Cricket reached another milestone in the United States as Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan inaugurated the new Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles. The venue hosted its first Major League Cricket match as the Los Angeles Knight Riders faced Washington Freedom.

The newly built stadium became the first international-standard cricket ground developed by a global cricket franchise. It featured eight wickets on the main square, ICC-standard playing dimensions and six floodlight towers.

Speaking about the occasion, Shah Rukh Khan said, “What started as a dream has become a reality today. Bringing cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, to Los Angeles is a landmark moment for all of us.”

He added, “Through this long-term partnership between Fairplex and Knight Riders, we are creating much more than a cricket venue. We are building a space that celebrates community, togetherness, energy and entertainment.”

The Dunki actor further said, “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.”

Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore also spoke about the project. He said, “The Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA is much more than a stadium; it is a statement of intent for the future of cricket.”

He added, “We wanted to create a venue that players would love competing at, fans would cherish visiting, and the local community could proudly call its cricketing home.”

The opening ceremony also included a special appearance by former NBA star Metta World Peace, who bowled the ceremonial first ball before the opening Major League Cricket match.

The stadium was scheduled to host Major League Cricket matches from July 1 to July 5, marking another step in the growth of cricket in the United States and expanding the Knight Riders Group's global presence.