The Global Cricket League (GCL) 2026 is a new franchise T20 competition aimed at promoting and growing high-level cricket in the United States. The inaugural season will be played from January 16 to January 25, 2026, with all 18 matches hosted at the Central Broward Regional County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. Six teams, Chicago Windchasers, Las Vegas Aces, Washington DC Eagles, Miami Waves, Houston Riders, and New York Liberty, will compete in a round-robin league stage, followed by two semifinals and a final.
The league features a strong mix of international stars and experienced professionals. Players such as Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Shoaib Malik, Ravi Bopara, Saeed Ajmal, Thisara Perera, S Sreesanth, and Kamran Akmal are part of the inaugural season, adding global recognition and competitive quality to GCL 2026.
Global Cricket League 2026 – Full Schedule & Fixtures
The tournament features 15 league-stage matches, two semi-finals, and one final, with all 18 games hosted at the Central Broward Regional County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. Below is the complete match schedule with timings listed in local Florida time (EST).
League Stage
| Date | Match No. | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 16 Jan 2026 | Match 1 | Houston Riders vs New York Liberty | Lauderhill | 10:30 PM |
| Sat, 17 Jan 2026 | Match 2 | Las Vegas Aces vs Miami Waves | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, 17 Jan 2026 | Match 3 | New York Liberty vs Washington DC Eagles | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Sun, 18 Jan 2026 | Match 4 | Chicago Windchasers vs Houston Riders | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Sun, 18 Jan 2026 | Match 5 | Miami Waves vs Washington DC Eagles | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Mon, 19 Jan 2026 | Match 6 | Las Vegas Aces vs New York Liberty | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Mon, 19 Jan 2026 | Match 7 | Chicago Windchasers vs Miami Waves | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Tue, 20 Jan 2026 | Match 8 | Las Vegas Aces vs Washington DC Eagles | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Tue, 20 Jan 2026 | Match 9 | Chicago Windchasers vs New York Liberty | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Wed, 21 Jan 2026 | Match 10 | Houston Riders vs Washington DC Eagles | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Wed, 21 Jan 2026 | Match 11 | Las Vegas Aces vs Chicago Windchasers | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Thu, 22 Jan 2026 | Match 12 | Miami Waves vs New York Liberty | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Thu, 22 Jan 2026 | Match 13 | Houston Riders vs Las Vegas Aces | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Fri, 23 Jan 2026 | Match 14 | Chicago Windchasers vs Washington DC Eagles | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Fri, 23 Jan 2026 | Match 15 | Houston Riders vs Miami Waves | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Sat, 24 Jan 2026 | Match 16 | TBA vs TBA | Lauderhill | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, 24 Jan 2026 | Match 17 | TBA vs TBA | Lauderhill | 11:30 PM |
| Sun, 25 Jan 2026 | Match 18 | TBA vs TBA | Lauderhill | 10:30 PM |
Note: All timings are in Central Standard Time (CST). The tournament follows a double-header format with matches scheduled at 11:30 PM and 7:30 PM local time.
Meet the Six Teams
The Global Cricket League features six franchise teams representing major American cities. Each squad is expected to feature a blend of international superstars and emerging American cricket talent:
1. Chicago Windchasers
Representing the Windy City, the Chicago Windchasers bring Midwest energy to the cricket field. With a name inspired by Chicago’s famous weather, this team aims to blow away the competition with aggressive gameplay and smart tactics.
2. Houston Riders
The home team advantage belongs to the Houston Riders, who will look to harness local support throughout the tournament. Playing on familiar turf could give them the edge they need to ride their way to championship glory.
3. Las Vegas Aces
Fresh from the entertainment capital of the world, the Las Vegas Aces are expected to bring showmanship and high-stakes cricket to Houston. With a winning mentality borrowed from their city’s gambling culture, they’ll be betting big on success.
4. Miami Waves
The Miami Waves bring South Florida flair to the competition. Known for their vibrant culture and beach energy, this franchise promises to make waves both on and off the field with exciting, Caribbean-influenced cricket.
5. New York Liberty
Named after one of America’s most iconic symbols, the New York Liberty carry the pressure and pride of representing the nation’s biggest city. Expect big-market ambition, elite talent, and championship aspirations from this East Coast powerhouse.
6. Washington DC Eagles
The Washington DC Eagles soar into the tournament representing the nation’s capital. With a squad built on leadership and tactical excellence, they aim to establish dominance just like their city’s political legacy.
Where To Watch GCL 2026
Fans can watch the Global Cricket League 2026 on major sports streaming platforms and cricket-specific TV channels in the United States, with additional options for international viewers.
Tickets for matches are expected to go on sale soon through the official GCL website. With all matches in one location, fans have the unique opportunity to attend multiple games throughout the tournament.
FanCode is the official OTT partner of the league for the India region. Fans in India can catch the live streaming of the tournament on FanCode’s application and website.
What Makes GCL Unique?
The Global Cricket League enters an exciting space in American cricket. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Compact Format: With all matches in just nine days, the tournament offers intense, non-stop cricket action that builds momentum and keeps fans engaged throughout.
2. American Focus: While featuring international stars, GCL places special emphasis on developing and showcasing American cricket talent, giving homegrown players a platform to shine alongside global icons.
3. Festival Atmosphere: By hosting everything in Houston, GCL creates a cricket carnival where fans can immerse themselves in the sport over multiple days, similar to music festivals or major sporting events.
4. Growing the Game: The tournament aims to accelerate cricket’s growth in the United States by providing high-quality entertainment and inspiring the next generation of American cricketers.
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Conclusion: GCL 2026 Set to Excite Fans with Opening Match on January 16
The Global Cricket League 2026 begins on January 16 with an exciting opening match, kicking off ten days of thrilling T20 action. From the league stage to the grand final on January 25, Lauderhill, Florida, will be the hub of high-octane cricket.
Featuring six competitive teams, world-class international players, and a format designed for maximum excitement, the inaugural season promises unforgettable moments. Whether you’re attending matches in person or watching from home, mark your calendars for a cricket experience like no other.
The future of American cricket is here, and it starts in Lauderhill. Don’t miss a single moment of the action.
FAQs
The tournament begins on January 16, 2025, and runs through January 25, 2026.
All matches of the Global Cricket League 2026 will be held at a single venue, the Central Broward Regional County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.
Six teams are competing: Chicago Windchasers, Houston Riders, Las Vegas Aces, Miami Waves, New York Liberty, and Washington DC Eagles.
The league features 15 round-robin matches, followed by two semifinals and one final. The top four teams from the league stage advance to the playoffs.
Tickets are available on the official Global Cricket League website. Fans should check regularly for updates on sales, pricing, and match-day information.
