'Dream Come True': SRK applauds Jay Shah as KKR unveil stadium

Shah Rukh Khan's dream of expanding cricket across the world has become a reality after the Knight Riders Group unveiled their own cricket stadium in Los Angeles during MLC 2026. The landmark moment marks a major step for the franchise, with the new venue set to serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders while also supporting cricket's return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Calling it a "dream come true," Shah Rukh Khan shared an emotional message on social media and thanked ICC Chairman Jay Shah, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, and everyone who helped make the ambitious project possible. The Bollywood superstar hailed the unveiling as the fulfilment of a long-held vision to take cricket to new audiences around the world.

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona hosted its first-ever Major League Cricket match between the Los Angeles Knight Riders and Washington Freedom, making history as the first international-standard cricket stadium owned by a global franchise outside its home country. The milestone has added another major chapter to cricket's growth in the United States ahead of MLC 2026 and the LA 2028 Olympics.

Watch Shah Rukh Khan's special message here:

Inside the new Fairplex venue set to become LA Knight Riders' home ground

The new Fairplex stadium marks a major milestone for cricket in the United States. It will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders during the MLC 2026 season and is also expected to play an important role when cricket returns to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The project highlights the Knight Riders Group's long-term vision of growing cricket in new markets.

Built at Fairplex in Pomona, California, the stadium is part of a reported $21 million investment by the Knight Riders Group. The international-standard venue features eight natural turf wickets, six 120-foot floodlight towers for day-night matches, and a world-class playing surface built after moving more than 32,000 metric tonnes of earth.

Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore said the new stadium reflects the group's commitment to growing cricket in the United States. The venue will host a week of MLC 2026 matches from July 1 to July 5. Although the Los Angeles Knight Riders lost their opening game to Washington Freedom by six wickets, the new stadium is expected to play a key role in the future of cricket in America.

SRK thanks 'Jaybhai' Jay Shah & ICC as stadium goes live ahead of 2028 Olympics

Shah Rukh Khan called the opening of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles a dream come true in his heartfelt social media message. "What started as a dream turns into reality today," he said. "A place built not just for sports but also entertainment and for families and memories that last forever." He also welcomed fans to the new venue and celebrated the milestone with the Knight Riders family.

The Bollywood superstar reserved special praise for "Jaybhai" Jay Shah and the ICC for supporting the project from the beginning. "Special thanks to Jaybhai, who has been too kind through this journey @JayShah220988, & @ICC and Sanjog Gupta for being so supportive. This is for LA, for cricket fans across the globe, and for the Knight Riders family. Believe in Purple and Gold," Shah Rukh Khan wrote.

The new stadium is another major milestone in Shah Rukh Khan's journey of building the Knight Riders into a global cricket brand. What began with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL has expanded to include Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Los Angeles Knight Riders. The launch of their own cricket stadium further strengthens the franchise's global presence ahead of cricket's return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

From 5,000 To 15,000 Seats — How The Pomona Ground Will Grow By LA 2028

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona is set to grow rapidly ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The new stadium will host the Los Angeles Knight Riders' home matches during MLC 2026 and is expected to become one of the key venues for cricket in the United States. The project reflects the Knight Riders Group's long-term plan to grow the sport in a new market.

Built at Fairplex in Pomona, California, the stadium is part of a reported $21 million investment by the Knight Riders Group. It currently has a seating capacity of around 5,000 spectators. The capacity will increase to about 12,000 by 2027 and then to 15,000 before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, allowing the venue to host bigger crowds as cricket continues to grow in the US.

The new stadium also strengthens the Knight Riders' global presence. The franchise now includes Kolkata Knight Riders, Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Los Angeles Knight Riders. With cricket returning to the Olympics in 2028, the Pomona venue is expected to play an important role in the sport's future and help inspire a new generation of cricket fans in the United States.