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Jason Holder to lead LA Knight Riders as franchise eyes breakthrough year in third MLC season
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in T20s. | 13 June 2025 | 1284 Views
Tags: Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Major League Cricket, Romario Shepherd

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has been named captain of the Los Angeles Knight Riders for the third staging of Major League Cricket (MLC), bringing seasoned leadership and international pedigree to a team eager to rise from low-table finishes and make a serious title push in 2025.

Holder, who has led the West Indies in all three formats, is expected to provide both on-field stability and off-field direction for a squad packed with explosive Caribbean talent. His appointment signals a strategic shift for the LA Knight Riders, who finished sixth and fifth in the previous two editions of the tournament and are now aiming to cop the title currently held by Washington Freedom.

"We are excited to announce Jason Holder as the new captain of Los Angeles Knight Riders for the 2025 Major League Cricket,” the franchise said in a statement.

While Holder's leadership is central to LAKR’s plans, fans will have to wait to see him in action. Due to ongoing West Indies duties in a three-match T20I series against Ireland, the Barbadian all-rounder will miss the team’s opening two games and is set to join the squad ahead of their third fixture on June 17 against Washington Freedom in Oakland.

In Holder’s absence, veteran spinner Sunil Narine will step in as stand-in captain to steer the side through their opening encounters. LA Knight Riders begin their campaign on Saturday against San Francisco Unicorns, the team of another West Indies all-rounder, Romario Shepherd.

The LAKR squad boasts a strong Caribbean contingent, with Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Andre Fletcher, and Andre Russell all named among the team’s core players. Like Holder, Powell, Russell, Rutherford, and Shepherd will also join their MLC franchises after completing international duty.

Holder’s arrival is expected to bring much-needed strategic depth and balance to a side that has yet to truly unlock its full potential in the MLC. Known for his composed on-field demeanor and all-round capabilities, the 33-year-old has built a reputation as a leader capable of rallying teams through both experience and performance.

"Jason has led West Indies in all three formats in the international circuit, and we are confident he will do a great job for us at LAKR too,” the club added.