"Going to grow hugely in the next few years" - Glenn Maxwell signs with Washington Freedom for MLC 2024

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced he will be part of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024, signing up with Washington Freedom. The spin-bowling all-rounder expressed his excitement at signing with the Freedom and expects the tournament to grow by leaps and bounds in the next few years.

The Victorian will join fellow Australians Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Jake Fraser-McGurk at the Washington Freedom. The Freedom finished third in the 2023 edition with three wins in five matches and will look to go deeper into the competition this year.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's Around The Wicket, Maxwell revealed that he was excited to play in the event and is excited to reunite with his Australian teammates.

"Very excited to announce that I've joined the Washington Freedom for the MLC tournament this year. It's a tournament that I've watched last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing in the tournament one day. Luckily, the timings fell in line this year and I've been speaking to Ricky Ponting and a few other players fairly. Certainly excited to get stuck in. Got some Aussie teammates as well involved," he said.

The 35-year-old also hopes to see new talent coming along from the tournament, adding:

Looking forward to playing with one of my RCB teammates, Lockie Ferguson, who is also part of the Freedom. Looking forward to getting involved in a tournament, which I think is going to grow hugely in the next few years. It's a little bit untapped, so hopefully, can see some of the talent coming through."

Maxwell dropped himself from RCB's line-up against SunRisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2024 fixture. He later revealed the need for a break to return to form.

"I think will be an amazing experience to see how the Americans take to cricket" - Glenn Maxwell

At the promotion of the tournament, Maxwell said he is thrilled to be a part of it.

"It's going to be really exciting. They have done really well in promoting this league around the world. With the T20 World Cup this year, to have that tournament straight after, I think will be an amazing experience to see how the Americans take to cricket. There are some amazing names who are part of this tournament, so honored to be part of it," he stated.

MI New York lifted the title in 2023, beating Seattle Orcas by seven wickets in the final.