Steven Smith might make a short return to Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 between Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa and the subsequent tour of the West Indies.
Although Washington Freedom announced on Tuesday that Smith “will feature” in two matches, the finalisation of this plan is still contingent on negotiations with Cricket Australia (CA). Should everything proceed as anticipated, Smith may participate in games on 17 June against LA Knight Riders in Oakland—just two days post-WTC final—and on 21 June against MI New York in Dallas. Australia’s first Test in the West Indies kicks off on 25 June in Barbados. Nevertheless, the planned 17 June match could be affected if the WTC final extends to a reserve day on 16 June due to inclement weather.
Michael Klinger, Freedom’s general manager, expressed enthusiasm about Smith’s potential return, stating, “It’s great to have Steve Smith again with us this season albeit only for probably two matches. That continuity is really important for us. He was a fantastic leader for us last year, a big reason why we won. Hopefully he will be part of the Washington Freedom setup for many years to come.” Smith had a stellar season in 2024, leading Freedom to the title with 336 runs at an average of 56.00, striking at 148.67 over nine innings.
While Pat Cummins, another Australian player who signed with San Francisco Unicorns last year, will not be part of the 2025 edition, and Travis Head has previously confirmed his non-participation, discussions continue around team dynamics. Josh Inglis, part of Australia’s Test squad, also played last season.
In other news, Freedom has signed Mitchell Owen, an emerging T20 talent building a reputation in global franchise cricket following his standout Big Bash League (BBL) stint with Hobart Hurricanes. Klinger commented, “He can play in pressure situations, making an unbelievable hundred in the BBL final. He provides a style of batting that is quite similar to Travis Head, a right-handed version. We felt he’s a real good replacement. He’s at the start of a career that’s about to flourish.”
Owen is currently contracted with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 and has previously played for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2025 and participated in the SA20 league. Washington Freedom have also brought in left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff to help address the void left by Marco Jansen’s absence.
