'What started as a dream has become a reality': Shah Rukh Khan on Knight Riders' international cricket stadium in LA
Los Angeles, July 2
Bollywood Superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan hailed the opening of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles as the realisation of a long-cherished dream after the venue hosted its first-ever Major League Cricket match, with the Knight Riders Group becoming the first global cricket franchise to establish an international-standard cricket stadium.
The Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) took on Washington Freedom in the inaugural fixture at the newly-built venue, marking another milestone in cricket's growing presence in the United States.
Reflecting on the historic occasion, Shah Rukh Khan said the project was the culmination of years of planning and a vision to take cricket to newer audiences. "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. 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. It is a place built not just for sport, but also for entertainment, for families, and for memories that will last forever," he said.
Expressing his hopes for the future, Shah Rukh Khan said he wanted the ground to become the city's cricketing home and inspire generations of players and fans.
"We hope this becomes a home for cricket in Los Angeles and inspires generations of fans and players alike. This is for Los Angeles, for cricket fans across the globe, and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in Purple and Gold," he added.
Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore described the stadium as a defining moment in the franchise's global journey.
"The Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA is much more than a stadium; it is a statement of intent for the future of cricket. Becoming the first global cricket brand to establish an international cricket stadium is a proud milestone for the Knight Riders Group and reflects our belief that the growth of the game must be supported by world-class infrastructure," Mysore said.
Built to international standards, the Knight Riders Cricket Ground features eight wickets on the main square, ICC-standard playing dimensions, six 120-foot floodlight towers and required the movement of over 32,000 metric tonnes of earth during construction. The venue will stage Major League Cricket matches from July 1 to July 5, reinforcing the United States' emergence as one of cricket's fastest-growing markets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Cricket growing in the US is amazing! I grew up here and never had a proper ground nearby. Now we have an international standard stadium right in LA. Thanks to SRK and the Knight Riders for making this happen!
Brilliant move by the Knight Riders group! But I hope they focus equally on grassroots development in India, not just international expansion. Many small towns back home still lack proper cricket infrastructure. Still, proud moment for Indian cricket globally! 👏
Dream comes true for Indian expats like me! We've been craving proper cricket grounds here. The kids in the Indian diaspora will finally have a professional setup to train. Thank you SRK sir for this gift to the community! 🙏
As an American who fell in love with cricket during the World Cup, this is fantastic! The atmosphere at Knights games here is incredible. Thanks Shah Rukh for bringing the sport to Hollywood. Only downside is traffic around Fairplex will be nightmare during matches! 😅
It's wonderful to see Bollywood star power promoting cricket globally. But I hope they remember the soul of the game is still in India's gully cricket and maidans. Spend some money on renovating Eden Gardens too, SRK! Still, congratulations on this achievement. 🏏✨
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