Introducing Johnny Grave: The New CEO Transforming Major League Cricket in the USA

Major League Cricket Welcomes Johnny Grave as New CEO

Major League Cricket (MLC) has recently announced the appointment of Johnny Grave as its Chief Executive Officer, a significant move aimed at further promoting and expanding the sport of cricket in the United States. With nearly 25 years of leadership experience in international cricket, Grave brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to this vital role.

Grave’s previous position as the CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI) reflects his aptitude in sports management; during his seven-year tenure, he successfully enhanced governance structures, fostered a high-performance culture, and capitalized on commercial opportunities for the organization. Notably, he oversaw the hosting of three World Cups in the West Indies and played a pivotal role as the T20 World Cup CEO for the men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted with the U.S. in June 2024.

Anurag Jain, a member of the MLC Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about Grave’s appointment, stating, "His deep understanding of the sport, vision for the future, and expertise in sports management will be invaluable as we continue to grow the sport across the United States."

Grave’s role as CEO entails a comprehensive oversight of MLC's operations, including league expansion, team development, and fostering strategic partnerships in the coming years. Venky Harinarayan, another MLC Board member, emphasized that Grave's extensive connections within the cricketing community internationally would be crucial for enhancing partnerships and increasing fan engagement in the U.S.

"I am honored to lead the league at this transformative time," Grave stated, showcasing his excitement for the potential growth of cricket in America. He noted that cricket is loved worldwide and observed a rapidly rising fanbase in the U.S. His ambition for MLC includes elevating the league’s status to become the premier professional cricket league in North America. Grave aims to build a vibrant and sustainable future for cricket in the U.S., thus positioning MLC as a significant player in the global cricket ecosystem.

The timing of Grave’s appointment is particularly pivotal as MLC enters its third season. With plans for expansion into more U.S. cities, the league is aptly preparing for cricket’s re-introduction during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—a momentous occasion considering cricket last featured in the Olympics in 1900. MLC is determined to seize this opportunity and further grow the sport’s presence on American soil.

As the league gears up for the start of its 2025 season in June, the anticipation is building amongst fans, with ticket sales set to launch in May. MLC comprises six teams, including recognizable squads like the Los Angeles Knight Riders and Texas Super Kings, and is exclusively sanctioned by USA Cricket, promoting a high caliber of international T20 competition in the United States.

Fans eager to learn more about MLC and secure their tickets can visit their official website, majorleaguecricket.com. With Grave at the helm, the future looks promising for Major League Cricket and its dedicated followers.