India spinner becomes historic MLC debutant with San Francisco Unicorns signing for next season
Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially joined the San Francisco T20 franchise to play in Major League Cricket 2026, marking a significant milestone as he will become the first Indian international player ever selected by an American-based team. The historic agreement was confirmed on March 29 following reports that made headlines across multiple outlets earlier today and yesterday regarding his new contract details with San Francisco Unicorns for next season's tournament schedule in California.
Key Points
-
1Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with San Francisco Unicorns for Major League Cricket's upcoming season.
-
2Ashwin will become the first Indian international to play in a U.S.-based TwentyTwenty league after retiring from national cricket.
Developments
Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with San Francisco Unicorns as India's first player for Major League Cricket. The 39-year-old spinner is joining the US team after his previous agreement in Australia's Big Bash League fell through due to undisclosed reasons, and he will retire from international cricket following this move.
San Francisco Unicorns have signed Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the first India international to play in Major League Cricket for their upcoming Twenty20 season. The announcement was made on March 28, following his retirement from all forms of cricket and a missed opportunity with Sydney Thunder due to injury; MLC is set to begin its fourth season on June 18.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with San Francisco Unicorns for Major League Cricket's upcoming season, set to begin on June 19 after his retirement from international cricket in December. MLC CEO Johnny Grave stated that securing a player of this caliber marks significant growth since the league launched three years ago and reflects strong interest among American youth and diaspora communities.
Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with San Francisco's Major League Cricket team for 2026 to become history as India's first capped player in MLC, aiming to win his franchise its maiden championship. The veteran off-spinner brings over seven hundred Test wickets and significant IPL experience after previously being ruled out of the Big Bash due to a knee injury.