R Ashwin first Indian-capped player in MLC, to play alongside Pakistan’s Haris Rauf | Cricket News
Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make history as the first Indian-capped player to feature in Major League Cricket after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. The veteran off-spinner, part of India’s title-winning squads at the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, has enjoyed a remarkable international career, claiming 765 wickets in 287 matches across formats. He also stands as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Speaking about the move, Ashwin highlighted the rapid growth of the league and the opportunity it presents. “The MLC has proven over recent seasons that it can put on a show, bringing in world-class players and offering significant exposure to US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of it with the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. “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,” said Ashwin in a statement. Ashwin also brings vast T20 experience, being among the top five wicket-takers in the Indian Premier League, having represented teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He had earlier been set to feature in the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder, before a knee injury ruled him out. San Francisco Unicorns head coach Cameron White expressed his excitement at the signing, calling it a landmark moment for both the franchise and the league. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwin’s stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world. “Bringing in the first Indian-capped player is a massive moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost, he’s joining to help us win games. His experience in high-pressure situations and his skill variations will be invaluable on the pitch and in the nets, and I can’t wait to get into camp and start working with him,” he said. The Unicorns will kick off their campaign on June 19 against LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas. The tournament will conclude on July 18 at the franchise’s home venue, the Oakland Coliseum. The team has already retained key overseas names including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf, along with domestic players Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam.Also See: IPL Live Score
