Amidst IPL 2026, R Ashwin joins Major League Cricket (MLC) in historic first; teams up with Pakistan player

In a landmark move for American cricket, legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to become the first Indian player to compete in Major League Cricket (MLC) after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. Ashwin brings an unparalleled pedigree to the league, having been a pivotal member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads. With 765 international wickets across 287 matches, he currently stands as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket, making his arrival a significant coup for the growing U.S. T20 circuit.

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R Ashwin to play in Major League Cricket 2026

Ashwin expressed immense enthusiasm for the new venture, noting that the MLC has rapidly established itself as a premier global destination for world-class talent and domestic development. He highlighted the league's ability to provide significant exposure to local U.S. cricketers while putting on a high-caliber sporting spectacle. For Ashwin, the chance to join the San Francisco Unicorns represented an evolution in his storied career and an opportunity to contribute to the sport's expansion in North America that he simply couldn't overlook.

"Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first championship, while also putting on a spectacular brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans," Ashwin said in a statement.

Ashwin's illustrious T20 resume

Ashwin’s move to the United States comes with a storied T20 pedigree, as he currently ranks among the top five wicket-takers in IPL history. Over 16 seasons, he has showcased his tactical mastery across several franchises, most notably with his home team, the Chennai Super Kings, but also during stints with the Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals. While he had previously agreed to join the Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League, a knee injury and subsequent surgery unfortunately prevented him from making his debut in the Australian competition.

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The San Francisco Unicorns are scheduled to launch their 2026 campaign on Friday, June 19, with a high-stakes California derby against the LA Knight Riders. This season opener will take place at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, which will host the first leg of the tournament. The league will then transition through several venues, including a new ground in Pomona, before culminating at the Unicorns' home base, the Oakland Coliseum. The Bay Area stadium is set to host a significant portion of the schedule, including the playoffs and the championship final on July 18.
In preparation for the new season, the franchise has solidified a balanced roster by retaining a core group of international and domestic talent. The overseas retentions include captain Matt Short, alongside the versatile Cooper Connolly, pace bowler Xavier Bartlett, and explosive hitters Finn Allen and Haris Rauf. Complementing this international experience is a steady domestic core, with Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale, and Hammad Azam all returning to the squad.