NEW DELHI: Shah Rukh Khan celebrated a major milestone for cricket in the United States with the official unveiling of the LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California. The new venue represents a significant step in the expansion of the sport in North America and is expected to play a crucial role in the buildup to cricket’s return to the Olympics at the 2028 Summer Olympics. The stadium will serve as the home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders franchise and is set to host several key games in the coming years.Expressing his excitement, Shah Rukh Khan shared an emotional message on social media, describing the opening of the stadium as the realization of a long-held dream. The Bollywood superstar, who co-owns the Knight Riders franchise, highlighted the broader vision behind the project and thanked those who supported the initiative. He wrote, “What started as a dream…turns into reality today. Welcome everyone to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA. A place built not only for sports but also for entertainment and families…and memories that last forever. Special thanks to Jaybhai who has been too kind on this journey @JayShah, & @ICC and @Sanjog_G. for the Knight Riders family Believe in Purple and Gold Welcome home by @LA_KnightRiders.
A landmark for cricket in America
The newly opened stadium will host its first competitive cricket match during the ongoing Major League Cricket season. It will become the permanent home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders, giving local cricket fans the opportunity to experience top-tier franchise cricket in Southern California for the first time. The venue has modern facilities and has been designed to accommodate not only cricket matches but also entertainment events and family experiences.A total of seven matches are scheduled to be played at the ground during the upcoming Major League Cricket season, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in the region. With cricket still gaining popularity in the United States, the launch of a dedicated international standard venue is seen as a major boost for the future of the game.
Eyes on the Los Angeles Olympics 2028
The importance of the LA Knight Riders Cricket Ground extends beyond the cricket franchise. The venue is expected to play a key role when cricket returns to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As a result, the stadium is likely to become one of the most important sports destinations in the world in the coming years, serving professional cricket and the wider growth of the game in the United States.