In the brief interval between Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final match against South Africa and their trip of the West Indies, Steven Smith is expected to play a few games for the Washington Freedom in the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Smith “will feature” in two games, according to the Washington Freedom, but official permission from Cricket Australia is still pending. Smith might play against the LA Knight Riders in Oakland on June 17 and the MI New York in Dallas on June 21 if he is cleared. His availability for the June 17 match, however, may be impacted if weather forces the WTC final to move to its reserve day on June 16. On June 25, Australia’s West Indies tour kicks off with a Test match in Barbados.

Michael Klinger, general manager of the Freedom, said on the team’s website, “It’s great to have Steve Smith again with us this season albeit only for probably two matches,” according to ESPNcricinfo.

“For us, that continuity is crucial. We won last year in large part because of his outstanding leadership. He went on to say, “I hope he will be a part of the Washington Freedom setup for many years to come.”

In 2024, Smith captained Freedom and guided them to victory, amassing 336 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 148.67 and an average of 56.

Travis Head has already said that he will not be returning, and Pat Cummins, who joined with the San Francisco Unicorns last year, has opted out, therefore other Australian celebrities will not be participating in MLC 2025. Another member of the Test team, Josh Inglis, did participate in the previous edition.

Mitchell Owen, a young T20 player who has impressed in the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes, has been acquired by the Washington Freedom. Owen continues to secure franchise agreements.

Regarding Owen, Klinger said, “He can play in pressure situations, making an unbelievable hundred in the BBL final,” according to ESPNcricinfo.

“He bats in a manner that is quite similar to that of Travis Head, who is right-handed. We thought he was a great substitute. He’s only beginning a career that will soon take off,” he said.

“He may play with the Washington Freedom for a long time. “Someone with whom we hope to have a great relationship in the future,” he said.

After playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 and the Paarl Royals in the SA20, Owen is presently a member of the Punjab Kings squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Jason Behrendorff, an Australian left-arm seamer, has also been signed by Freedom to assist cover for Marco Jansen.