Four Emerging Domestic Talents to Watch in MLC Season 2

Joshua Tromp

Nineteen-year-old Joshua Tromp has followed in his twin brother Matthew's footsteps to secure an MLC contract. Initially missing out while Matthew and five others were signed on $5,000 rookie contracts, Joshua made up for lost time by being selected as the Texas Super Kings' primary draft pick this year for $75,000. The wicketkeeper-batsman earned this reward after an exceptional season with the Houston Hurricanes in the Minor League, scoring four fifties in 10 games at a strike rate of 132 in the competitive South West zone.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, the Tromp family moved to Austin, Texas, when the twins turned 16. Joshua, a natural athlete with impressive batting power for his age, showcased his talent with an 82 off 40 deliveries in a practice game against Washington Freedom. Sharing a hotel room with Matthew during his stint with Seattle Orcas last season allowed Joshua to experience a professional cricket environment first-hand and observe his childhood hero Quinton de Kock. This exposure helped Joshua excel in the Minor League season and set him up to join his brother in MLC Season 2.

Hassan Khan

Former Pakistan U19 captain and left-arm spinning all-rounder Hassan Khan was once considered the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. He gained instant fame after hitting a penultimate ball six to win a tense PSL match, earning praise from Kevin Pietersen and Sir Vivian Richards. However, his career stalled, with only seven PSL appearances over four seasons. Khan's first-class opportunities also dwindled, with just 15 games in six seasons.

Frustrated, Khan moved to America without an MLC contract, determined to prove himself in the Minor League. He thrived, scoring 220 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 181 and taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of under 5. His stellar performance earned him the first-ever draft pick for the San Francisco Unicorns in this year's MLC draft.

Sanjay Krishnamurthy

Sanjay Krishnamurthy, born in Corvallis, Oregon, moved to Bengaluru with his family at age seven after being inspired by India's 2011 World Cup win. In Bengaluru, he excelled in school cricket and represented Karnataka U16s as an opening batsman and left-arm spinner. He was also a finalist in Anil Kumble's Spin Stars talent hunt.

Failing to make it big in India, Sanjay returned to the USA as cricket gained momentum post-2020. The 21-year-old earned a rookie contract with the San Francisco Unicorns after outstanding all-round performances for the East Bay Blazers in the Minor League. Despite warming the bench last year, he gained valuable experience in the Unicorns' nets, honing his power game under head coach Shane Watson's guidance.

Yasir Mohammad

Twenty-one-year-old leg spinner Yasir Mohammad narrowly missed out on a World Cup spot, being named as a reserve while USA opted for three left-arm spinners. Yasir debuted against Ireland at 18, making an impact by dismissing Curtis Campher and Simi Singh in his second game. Known for his accuracy and variety, Yasir's arsenal includes a slider, top spinner, and a well-concealed googly.

Born in Edison, New Jersey, Yasir has primarily played on artificial wickets in the northeast, where turf wickets are scarce. His 28 wickets in 63 overs at an economy of 8 reflect his promise in a limited international career. Yasir will play for the Washington Freedom in MLC Season 2, aiming to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.