The Knight Riders Group, which owns KKR, has become the first cricket franchise in the world to own a dedicated cricket stadium. The Los Angeles Knight Riders officially opened the Knight Riders Cricket Ground at Fairplex in Pomona, California, marking a major milestone for the franchise and the growth of cricket in the United States.
Shah Rukh Khan celebrated the achievement on social media, calling it a proud moment for the Knight Riders family. The new venue will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders and is also expected to play a key role during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the Games.
What Started as a Dream... Turns Into Reality Today - KKR Co-Owner Shah Rukh Khan
KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shared an emotional message on social media after the opening of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground. The KKR co-owner hoped the stadium would become a place where cricket, entertainment, and families come together.
"What started as a dream… turns into reality today. Welcoming you all to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA. A place built not just for sports but also entertainment and for families… and memories that last forever. Special thanks to Jaybhai who has been too kind through this journey @JayShah, & @ICC and @Sanjog_G for being so supportive. This is for LA, for cricket fans across the globe, and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in Purple and Gold. Welcome to the home of @LA_KnightRiders."
What started as a dream… turns into reality today.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 1, 2026
Welcoming you all to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA.
A place built not just for sports but also entertainment and for families… and memories that last forever.
Special thanks to Jaybhai who has been too kind through… pic.twitter.com/5WEBSEHyOh
Washington Freedom Spoil Los Angeles Knight Riders' Stadium Debut
The new Knight Riders Cricket Ground features modern facilities designed for both cricket and entertainment events. Apart from hosting Major League Cricket matches, the venue will also be used for community events and family entertainment, helping promote cricket in the United States.
The opening match at the new Knight Riders Cricket Ground did not go as planned for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. Washington Freedom produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl out the hosts for just 108 in Match 16 of the Major League Cricket season.
Colin Munro top-scored for the Knight Riders with 24 runs. However, the middle order failed to build partnerships as Washington Freedom's bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. The innings ended in less than 18 overs, leaving the hosts with a below-par total to defend.
Steven Smith Leads Washington Freedom to Comfortable Victory
Los Angeles Knight Riders made an encouraging start with the ball by taking two early wickets in the powerplay. However, Steven Smith and Mark Chapman steadied the innings with an important partnership that put Washington Freedom in control.
Chapman scored 34 off 30 balls before Andre Russell dismissed him, while Smith remained unbeaten on 40 off 44 balls. Washington Freedom completed the chase with six wickets in hand, handing the Los Angeles Knight Riders a disappointing defeat in the first match at their new home ground.
The victory strengthened Washington Freedom's campaign in the ongoing Major League Cricket season. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Knight Riders will look to bounce back quickly after a disappointing batting display in their first match at the Knight Riders Cricket Ground.
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