SRK Unveils Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Bollywood superstar and franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has officially unveiled the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, a state-of-the-art facility located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The inauguration, held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, marks a pivotal development for the sport as it prepares to feature in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The stadium, developed by the Knight Riders Group (KRG) in partnership with Major League Cricket (MLC), hosted its first competitive match immediately following the unveiling. The inaugural fixture saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders take on Washington Freedom in a Major League Cricket encounter, signaling the start of a seven-match residency at the venue during the 2026 season.

A Global Hub for Cricket

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground is designed to meet rigorous International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, featuring an international-grade pitch and dimensions suitable for high-level competition. The facility is currently equipped with six 120-foot floodlight towers and is set to undergo capacity expansions to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators by 2028.

According to project stakeholders, more than 32,000 metric tonnes of earth were moved to create the purpose-built venue, which serves as a dedicated home for the Los Angeles Knight Riders franchise. The stadium’s location in Pomona, approximately 50 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles, positions it as the primary venue for cricket’s historic return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence.

Strategic Importance for the LA 2028 Olympics

The inclusion of cricket in the LA 2028 Olympic program represents a significant opportunity for the sport to gain broader visibility in the United States. Following the approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023, the sport will return to the Summer Games in a T20 format, with six teams each in the men’s and women’s tournaments.

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah praised the development, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Knight Riders Group, the LA28 organizing committee, and the ICC. The venue is expected to provide a lasting legacy for the sport in North America, fostering local talent and international engagement ahead of the 2028 Olympic competition, which is scheduled for July 12–29, 2028.

Official Sources

• International Cricket Council (ICC)

• Olympics.com: LA 2028 Venue Updates

• Knight Riders Group Official Announcements

Quote Section

"What started as a dream turns into reality today," stated Shah Rukh Khan during the launch. "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."

Why It Matters

The establishment of this venue is a massive step forward for the professionalization of cricket in the U.S. By creating a purpose-built stadium that meets ICC accreditation, the Knight Riders Group has provided a permanent home for top-tier cricket, which is essential for hosting international delegations and ensuring the sport’s infrastructure meets Olympic requirements.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Venue Name: Knight Riders Cricket Ground, located at Fairplex, Pomona.

• Olympic Status: Designated to host cricket matches during the LA 2028 Olympics.

• Development: A partnership between the Knight Riders Group and Major League Cricket.

• Capacity: Currently configured for initial matches, with plans to expand to 15,000 seats by 2028.

• Historic Significance: Marks the first time cricket is contested at the Olympics since 1900.

FAQ

Will the stadium be used for other events?

Yes, organizers have described the venue as a space for community, entertainment, and sports, intended for use beyond just competitive cricket matches.

When will cricket take place at the 2028 Olympics?

Cricket matches at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place between July 12 and July 29, 2028.

How does this affect local cricket fans?

The stadium provides a dedicated home ground for the Los Angeles Knight Riders and offers fans in California an international-standard facility to watch professional T20 cricket.

Source: International Cricket Council, Olympics.com, Knight Riders Group