Steve Smith captained Washington Freedom to the title last season and was supported by head coach Ricky Ponting. He has not been removed from captaincy. The franchise confirmed on June 11 that Smith will be available for only two matches during the upcoming Major League Cricket season. For those games, he will resume leadership duties.
Steve Smith will miss the start of the tournament due to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's. Australia will then play a three-Test series against the West Indies. Smith will only be available for a brief window between the two assignments.
Glenn Maxwell Brings Leadership Experience to Washington Freedom
In a social media post, Maxwell said, "Hey Freedom Fam! Your captain Glenn Maxwell is here."
— Washington Freedom (@WSHFreedom) June 11, 2025
Maxwell played for the Washington Freedom in the previous season. He scored 153 runs in five innings at an average of 38.25, including a half-century. With the ball, he picked up 10 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17 and an impressive economy rate of 6.66.
Washington Freedom to Begin Title Defence with Match Against San Francisco Unicorns
Washington Freedom will begin their title defence in the upcoming Major League Cricket season with a rematch against last year's runners-up, the San Francisco Unicorns.
Washington Freedom Squad: Steve Smith, Mark Chapman, Mukhtar Ahmed, Jack Edwards, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell (c), Mitchell Owen, Abhishek Paradkar, Obus Pienaar, Ian Holland, Justin Dill, Andries Gous, Lahiru Milantha, Saurabh Netravalkar, Amila Aponso, Yasir Mohammad, Lockie Ferguson, Jason Benrendorff, Ben Sears.
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