GRAND PRAIRIE, USA Texas (CMC) — West Indies off-spinning all-rounder Sunil Narine has labelled Thursday’s start of the inaugural Major League Cricket season as an “historic night” as he prepares to lead the Los Angeles Knight Riders franchise in the headliner against Texas Kings.

The Grand Prairie Stadium in North Texas has been sold out for the opening game at 7:30 pm (8:30 pm Eastern Caribbean time), with the evening also set to feature an aerial display from a GB1 GameBird — a single-engine aerobatic aircraft — along with post-game fireworks.

“It’s going to be a historic night at Grand Prairie Stadium as the first-ever Major League Cricket game unfolds in front of a packed stadium this Thursday night,” said the 35-year-old Narine, one of a plethora of global Twenty20 stars involved in the tournament.

“I’ve always spoken about wanting to represent the Knight Riders wherever they play. We’ve long talked about coming to the United States and I’m glad it’s finally happening.

“It’s great to hear that the opening game has been sold out, and we can’t wait to bring our exciting brand of cricket to the cricket fans in America.”

Narine will lead a Knight Riders side that includes fellow West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, and is coached by former West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons.

Kings, meanwhile, feature veteran 39-year-old all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and will be captained by South African Faf Du Plessis.

“Since we arrived in Texas it’s been incredible to see the support for the Texas Super Kings,” said Du Plessis.

“We can’t wait to get out on the field at Grand Prairie Stadium and represent the ‘Lone Star State’ in front of a full house and be part of a special night for cricket in America.”

The tournament, which runs from July 13-30, will comprise 19 matches — 12 inclusive of the play-offs and a final carded for Grand Prairie, with the remaining seven set for Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina.

And the MLC co-founder Sameer Mehta said fans can expect “explosive” cricket throughout the tournament.

“Fans will experience an unforgettable night for cricket in America on Thursday, with a full house welcoming the world’s best players to Grand Prairie Stadium for Major League Cricket’s opening match,” he said.

Former West Indies white-ball captains Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard will turn out for MI New York.