Mumbai Indians clinch second MLC title in stunning turnaround

Mumbai Indians have added another glittering jewel to their crown, with MI New York winning the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title, their second championship in just three seasons. This triumph marks Mumbai Indians’ 13th major title globally, and their third trophy in 2025 alone, following MI Cape Town’s SA20 win and Mumbai Indians Women’s triumph in the WPL earlier this year.

After losing six of their first seven games this season, MI New York pulled off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in franchise T20 history, clinching the MLC title with a five-run win over defending champions Washington Freedom at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Advertisement

Chasing 181, Washington Freedom needed 12 runs off the final over from Rushil Ugarkar, with a well-set Glenn Phillips and captain Glenn Maxwell at the crease. Maxwell took a single off the first ball, Phillips followed with another single, before Maxwell had a big swipe at the third delivery and missed.

With 10 required off 3 balls, Maxwell attempted a slog over midwicket but mistimed it high towards long-on, where Michael Bracewell held on to a crucial catch. Obus Pienaar, the new batter, swung and missed at the fifth ball, leaving Freedom needing 10 off the final delivery, effectively sealing a dream comeback for MINY.

Earlier in the day, Quinton de Kock top-scored with a fluent 46-ball 77, featuring 6 fours and 4 sixes. He shared a 72-run opening stand with Monank Patel, who contributed 28 off 22 balls, laying the foundation for a commanding total of 180/7.

This performance showcased remarkable consistency and depth across the Mumbai Indians ecosystem. Competing across five leagues on three continents, MI teams reached the playoffs in all five competitions, emerging champions in three, across both men’s and women’s formats.

With a total of 13 championship titles, Mumbai Indians are now the most successful franchise in global T20 leagues. Their titles include five IPL championships, two Women’s Premier League titles, two MLC trophies, two Champions League T20 wins, and one each in ILT20 (MI Emirates, 2024) and SA20 (MI Cape Town, 2025).

With five teams across four countries on three continents, the Mumbai Indians continue to dominate the global T20 landscape, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an enduring bond with fans around the world.

Reacting to the win, Nita M. Ambani said: “What a truly special moment for the Mumbai Indians family! MI New York lifting their second MLC trophy in three years is not just a win on the field. It is a celebration of passion, belief, and teamwork. From the Women’s Premier League in India to championship victories in South Africa and now the USA, MI’s incredible journey across continents this year is a powerful reminder of how sport can build bridges and spread joy around the world.”

She added: “We are deeply grateful to all our fans — the MI Paltan — who have always stood by us and remain at the heart of our journey. My congratulations to every player, coach, supporter, and every member of our global MI family!”