Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has been named the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) mentor for the upcoming 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC). The new season starts on June 19, with LAKR’s first match against San Francisco Unicorns scheduled the next day. Watson joins LAKR after serving as the assistant coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League earlier this year. Despite having some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, LAKR have struggled in the past seasons. The team has finished
last twice, winning only two of their 10 matches in 2025. Now, Watson will have to work hard to help them reach their full potential and improve their performance in the upcoming MLC season. Watson is no stranger to coaching in the MLC, having served on the San Francisco Unicorns’ backroom staff for three seasons. Under his guidance, the team reached two playoffs and made it to the final in 2024. However, they lost to Washington Freedom by 96 runs despite Steve Smith’s impressive 88-run
knock in Dallas. Earlier this year, the Knight Riders Group announced a new home ground in Pomona, California. The venue will host seven matches this season, marking the first time a Major League Cricket team is getting a genuine home advantage in the tournament’s history. Other venues for the 2026 season include Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas and Oakland Coliseum in California.
Shane Watson, LA Knight Riders, LAKR, mentor, 2026 Major League Cricket, MLC, Kolkata Knight Riders, San Francisco Unicorns, Pomona home ground, Grand Prairie Stadium, Oakland Coliseum, Washington Freedom, Steve Smith