Australian cricket captain and player with Midas touch Pat Cummins who recently pulled out from Champions Trophy 2025 due to ankle injury has decided to sit out of the 2025 season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. The 31-year-old fast bowler signed a four-year contract with the San Francisco Unicorns in June 2023. He had a great performance in 2024 powering Unicorns to Top 2. He cited international commitments and workload management as the primary reasons for his absence in the league's 2025 season.
Cummins’ MLC Journey So Far
Cummins made his MLC debut in the 2024 season, playing six matches for the San Francisco Unicorns. Despite his good performance across the leagues he had a modest performance, taking four wickets at an average of 52.75. His decision to skip the 2025 season comes as he focuses on recovering from an ankle injury and managing his busy international schedule.
In a statement, the San Francisco Unicorns confirmed Cummins’ unavailability for the upcoming season. “Pat Cummins is unavailable to re-sign for the Unicorns in 2025 due to international commitments and workload management,” the statement read. “The fast bowler has expressed his excitement to play in future Major League Cricket seasons, as his international schedule permits.”
International Commitments Take Priority
Following the tournament in Pakistan, Australia’s next major assignment is the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, starting on June 11, 2025. The team will then travel to the Caribbean for a series of three Tests and five T20 internationals against the West Indies in June and July. This schedule directly clashes with the third edition of MLC, making it impossible for Cummins to participate.
What’s Next for Cummins and MLC?
While Cummins will miss the 2025 MLC season, his commitment to the San Francisco Unicorns remains intact. His four-year contract runs until 2027, leaving the door open for future appearances in the tournament.
For now, Cummins’ focus is on his recovery and leading Australia in crucial international fixtures. His absence from MLC highlights the challenges faced by top-tier cricketers in balancing franchise leagues with national duties.
MLC 2025 Retained Players List
LA Knight Riders: Ali Khan, Adithya Ganesh, Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, Corne Dry, Saif Badar, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Matthew Tromp, Spencer Johnson, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine
MI New York: Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel, Heath Richards, Rushil Ugarkar, Sunny Patel, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult
San Francisco Unicorns: Corey Anderson, Hassan Khan, Liam Plunkett, Carmi Le Roux, Brody Couch, Karima Gore, Juanoy Drysdale, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Haris Rauf, Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short
Seattle Orcas: Harmeet Singh, Cameron Gannon, Ali Sheikh, Ayan Desai, Aaron Jones, Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton
Texas Super Kings: Joshua Tromp, Calvin Savage, Milind Kumar, Mohammad Mohsin, Zia-ul-Haq, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Faf du Plessis, Devon Conway, Noor Ahmad, Marcus Stoinis
Washington Freedom: Andries Gous, Mukhtar Ahmed, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ian Holland, Amila Aponso, Justin Dill, Lahiru Milantha, Yasir Mohammad, Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, Steven Smith, Jack Edwards