Knight Riders Group, which owns KKR, has become the first cricket franchise in the world to own a dedicated cricket stadium. Los Angeles Knight Riders officially opened the Knight Riders Cricket Ground at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, marking a major milestone for the growth of the franchise and cricket in the United States.
Shahrukh Khan celebrated the achievement on social media and called it a proud moment for the Knight Riders family. The new venue will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders and is also expected to play a key role during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will see the return of cricket to the Games.
What started as a dream… has turned into reality today – KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan
KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan shared an emotional message on social media after the inauguration of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground. The KKR co-owner hoped that the stadium would become a place where cricket, entertainment and family would come together.
“What started as a dream… has today turned into a reality. Welcome all of you to the Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA. A place built not just for sports but for entertainment and families… and memories that last forever. Special thanks to Jaibhai who has been so kind during this journey @jayshah, and @ICC and @sanjog_ji for being so supportive. This is for LA, for cricket fans around the world and “Knight Riders is family. Welcome to the home of Purple and Gold.”
What started as a dream has turned into reality today.
Welcome all to Knight Riders Cricket Ground, LA.
A place that is built not only for sports but also for entertainment and families… and memories that last forever.
Special thanks to Jaibhai who was very kind… pic.twitter.com/5WEBSEHyOh
– Shahrukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 1, 2026
Washington Freedom Spoil Los Angeles Knight Riders’ Stadium Debut
The new Knight Riders Cricket Ground features modern facilities designed for both cricket and entertainment events. In addition to hosting Major League Cricket matches, the venue will also be used for community events and family entertainment, helping to promote cricket in the United States.
The inaugural match at the new Knight Riders Cricket Ground did not go as planned for Los Angeles Knight Riders. Washington Freedom displayed a disciplined bowling performance in the 16th match of the Major League Cricket season, bowling out the host team for just 108 runs.
Colin Munro scored the highest 24 runs for Knight Riders. However, the middle order failed to build partnerships as Washington Freedom bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals. The innings ended in less than 18 overs, leaving the hosts with a very low score to defend.
Steven Smith leads Washington Independence to comfortable victory
Los Angeles Knight Riders made an encouraging start with the ball by taking two early wickets in the powerplay. However, Steven Smith and Mark Chapman paced the innings with a crucial partnership that kept Washington Freedom in control.
Chapman scored 34 runs in 30 balls before being dismissed by Andre Russell, while Smith remained unbeaten on 40 runs in 44 balls. Washington Freedom completed the chase with six wickets remaining and Los Angeles Knight Riders suffered a disappointing defeat in their first match at their new home ground.
The win strengthened Washington Freedom’s campaign in the current Major League Cricket season. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Knight Riders will be looking to bounce back quickly after a disappointing batting performance in their first match at the Knight Riders Cricket Ground.
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