The Washington Freedom MLC 2025 squad & prospects took shape the moment Ricky Ponting came on board. His appointment as head coach wasn’t just headline-worthy; it was a strategic masterstroke. The three-time World Cup-winning captain brought credibility, confidence, and a winning mindset that transformed the team’s culture and set the tone for a dominant season ahead.
Notably, Freedom became the only team outside the IPL to have Ponting in charge. This unique advantage added weight to their recruitment drive. Since Major League Cricket doesn’t have a player draft for international stars, attracting top talent depends on influence. Ponting’s reputation did the trick. His presence helped the franchise secure three of Australia’s biggest names: Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell.
Therefore, as the tournament is set to begin, Head and Smith set the tone at the top. Their aggressive yet calculated batting powered the team forward. Previously, together, they piled up 336 runs each in just six games. Smith, in particular, was in sublime touch. He peaked in the final, hammering 88 off 46 balls, dismantling the Unicorns’ bowling attack. Maxwell, meanwhile, brings the balance. His explosive cameos always boosted the scoring rate, and his accurate off-spin made him an all-round threat.
Moreover, on the bowling front, Saurabh Netravalkar picked up right where he left off in the World Cup, claiming 10 wickets in his first three matches. When he took a brief family break, Jasdeep Singh stepped up, energizing the squad with back-to-back Player of the Match performances. Once Netravalkar returned for the playoffs, he seamlessly resumed his role as the spearhead and led the charge to Freedom’s championship win.
Further, the Washington Freedom MLC 2025 squad seems well-balanced and ambitious. Ponting continues as head coach, with Glenn Maxwell likely to lead the side. However, international scheduling will impact availability. Travis Head will miss the entire MLC season due to Australia’s Test matches, and Steve Smith will play only a few games in California.
To fill those gaps, the team will rely on emerging stars like Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman at the top. BBL talent Mitch Owen adds more depth. The return of Glenn Phillips and Maxwell, both of whom missed parts of the IPL due to injuries, strengthens the middle order significantly.
On the bowling side, Freedom retains key overseas pacers: Ben Sears, Jason Behrendorff, and Lockie Ferguson. Domestically, all players have been retained except Akhilesh Bodugum. This continuity gives them stability, though more responsibility now falls on local talents.
Andries Gous, who has become a T20 star for the USA, will play a critical role alongside Obus Pienaar, who is expected to take on greater responsibility. Meanwhile, Yasir Mohammad, a wrist-spinner waiting in the wings for two seasons, might finally get his chance. He’s in contention for the final squad spot with Amila Aponso.
Probable Starting XI:
- Steve Smith
- Andries Gous
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mark Chapman
- Glenn Phillips
- Glenn Maxwell (C)
- Obus Pienaar
- Yasir Mohammad
- Ian Holland
- Saurabh Netravalkar
- Lockie Ferguson
In the end, with a strong core, sharp overseas additions, and smart coaching leadership, the Washington Freedom aren’t just preparing for another playoff push; they’re aiming to build a dynasty. The foundation laid in 2024 now supports bigger ambitions. If last season marked their rise, then 2025 might just be the year they reign supreme.
