Ravichandran Ashwin All set to make history as the first Indian capped player to feature in Major League Cricket after inking a deal with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. The veteran off-spinner, who was part of India’s title-winning squads in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, has enjoyed an impressive international career, taking 765 wickets in 287 matches across all formats. He also stands as the seventh highest wicket-taker in Test history. Speaking of action, Ashwin Highlighted the rapid growth of the league and the opportunities it presents. “MLC has proven in recent seasons that it can put on a show, bring in world-class players and significantly showcase US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of that with the San Francisco Unicorns was one I couldn’t pass up. “Taking over as the first Indian player to play in Major League Cricket is an important responsibility that I fully embrace. My focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first championship, while also adding a great brand of cricket to Bay Area fans,” Ashwin said in a statement. Ashwin also brings extensive T20 experience, being among the top five wicket takers in the Indian Premier League, having represented such teams. Chennai Super KingsRising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He was previously set to take part 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 over the signing, calling it a historic 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 geniuses, his name tops the list around the world. “Bringing in the first Indian capped player is a huge moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost he is 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 net, and I can’t wait to get to camp and start working with him.” The Unicorns will open their campaign on June 19 against the LA Knight Riders at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas. The tournament concludes on July 18 at the franchise’s home venue, the Oakland Coliseum. The team has already retained key foreign names including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf, along with home players Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Hasan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hamad Azam.See also: IPL Live Score
