Four-Year Wait Ends as Washington Freedom Settle in Frederick

After a long four-year wait, Major League Cricket’s Washington Freedom have finally locked down a permanent place to call home. The Washington D.C.-based franchise has secured rezoning approval to build a privately funded 10,000-capacity cricket stadium in Frederick, Maryland.
The Frederick Planning Commission backed the rezoning request unanimously on July 14, 2025. The City Council held its final vote on August 6, 2026, after which Freedom confirmed that the project had been approved.

Govil Thanks Frederick Community

A franchise statement conveyed the ownership group’s appreciation for the community’s involvement throughout the process. Sanjay Govil, owner of Washington Freedom, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the City Council for the thoughtful consideration they’ve given this project and for the many people throughout Frederick who have taken the time to engage with us along the way. This vote represents an important step forward, but we know there is still meaningful work ahead.”
“From the beginning, our goal has been to create something that belongs in Frederick – a place where world-class cricket can thrive while also creating new opportunities for young athletes, families and the broader community. We’re excited to continue that work together and bring the vision for the cricket park closer to reality,” he further added.

Frederick Emerges as Freedom’s Preferred Site

Freedom looked at around 15 to 20 sites across the Washington DC metropolitan area after starting their search four years ago. Following a long search across the region, Frederick came into the picture around two years ago and has taken up much of the franchise’s attention away from the field since then.
The approval is important for MLC’s long-term plans for infrastructure, with franchises expected to develop their own home grounds as part of the league’s original plan. Freedom have been among the franchises most active in trying to meet that goal, although finding land and dealing with the challenges of building a cricket stadium in the United States turned out to be much more difficult than first expected.

MLC’s Infrastructure Continues to Grow

The announcement comes at a time when MLC is gaining more momentum in terms of infrastructure after Los Angeles Knight Riders opened their new ground in Pomona this summer. The venue is also expected to host cricket during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, giving the league another purpose-built cricket facility that could be important for its future in America.
Freedom are aiming to have the stadium ready for the 2027 MLC season. If that happens, the league could use four venues for the first time next year, although officials have not given a firm guarantee.

Sanjay Govil’s Wider Cricket Plans

The search for a Washington home is just one part of owner Sanjay Govil’s growing plans in cricket. He bought a 50 per cent stake in Welsh Fire, forming an equal partnership with Glamorgan and giving the Freedom ownership a presence in The Hundred.
The Indian-American billionaire has also spoken publicly about his interest in the Big Bash League if Australian cricket eventually allows private investment in its franchises. This is part of a wider plan to build an international cricket portfolio.

Freedom Build Support in Frederick

However, securing a permanent base in their own market has arguably been the toughest part of that growth. Freedom took a local approach in Frederick. For nearly two years, the franchise worked to explain cricket to Frederick residents, the size of its following in the area and what a professional cricket stadium could offer the wider community.
That work became more intense over the last year. Freedom officials organised open houses at the property and local restaurants, gave presentations around Frederick and spoke directly with HOAs, neighborhood groups, Rotary clubs and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber later backed the project after seeing its possible economic value.

Cricket’s Growing Local Presence

Freedom also showed that cricket was already familiar to many people in the Frederick area. There are around 5 or 6 cricket academies in the surrounding region, involving an estimated 400 to 500 children.
Freedom worked with those academies and families, including at an event featuring Steve Smith that brought young players together with local officials. During later public hearings, children and parents spoke about travelling long distances for proper cricket facilities and having to use makeshift baseball fields nearer to their homes.

Riverfront Park Included in Stadium Plan

One of the most important parts of Freedom’s local campaign was changing the idea from just a cricket stadium to something that could benefit the wider community. A river runs beside the privately owned land, but people currently cannot access the riverfront. Freedom proposed a public riverfront park next to the cricket ground, which the franchise would design, build, pay for and maintain while keeping it open to everyone throughout the year.
The final design will be decided through a public process, but possible features include walking and cycling trails, picnic spots, boat access, farmers markets and cultural festivals. The plan would make a part of the riverfront accessible to residents for the first time and give the community a place to use for recreation.
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