Ashwin joins Unicorns in landmark move for MLC
[Getty Images] Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has signed for San Francisco Unicorns in a landmark move for the Major League Cricket T20 competition. The move will make Ashwin, 39, the first player capped by India to play in the MLC. The off-spinner was due to play for Sydney Thunder in the 2025-26 Big Bash but had to pull out because of a knee injury.
Attracting high-profile India players has been an aim of many T20 leagues around the world, given the exposure they can bring. Ashwin took 537 wickets in 106 Tests and also played 281 white-ball matches for India. He retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and stepped away from the Indian Premier League last summer, making him available to play in leagues in the rest of the world.
Though Ashwin has not played since July, David White, chief executive of the San Francisco Unicorns, described the move of a "seismic moment" for American cricket. "Beyond his tactical genius on the pitch, Ashwin brings a level of market impact that will elevate the Major League Cricket brand and drive sustained fan enthusiasm," he said. Australia captain Pat Cummins joined Unicorns on a four-year deal in 2024.
Ashwin's signing also means he could line up alongside Pakistan and Unicorns bowler Haris Rauf amid the political tensions between the two countries. [BBC]