Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make history as the first India-capped player to feature in Major League Cricket after signing a contract with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season.Part of India’s title-winning teams at the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, the veteran off-spinner has enjoyed a remarkable international career, taking 765 wickets in 287 matches across formats. He also stands as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history.
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IPL 2026: Shubman Gill hits back at critics – ‘I don’t need to prove my worth’ Talking about the move, Ashwin highlighted the rapid growth of the league and the opportunity it presents.“MLC has proven in recent seasons that it can put on a show, bring in world-class players and offer significant exposure to America’s homegrown cricketing talent, and the opportunity to be a part of that with the San Francisco Unicorns was one I couldn’t pass up.“Taking up the mantle as the first India-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute goal is to help this franchise win matches and push for its first championship while offering a spectacular brand of cricket to Bay Area fans,” Ashwin said in a statement.Ashwin also brings vast T20 experience, is among the top five wicket takers in the Indian Premier League and has represented teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He was previously due to play in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Thunder before a knee injury sidelined him.San Francisco Unicorns head coach Cameron White expressed his excitement over the signing, calling it a watershed moment for both the franchise and the league.“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwin’s caliber to the Unicorns. When you talk about match winners and cricket intelligence, his name tops the list all over the world.”“Bringing in the first player with an India cap is a huge moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but above all he is joining to help us win matches. His experience in high-pressure situations and the variation of his skills will be invaluable on the field and in the nets and I can’t wait to get to the camp and start working with him,” he said.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.
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The team has already retained key overseas names including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf along with homegrown players Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam.See also: IPL Live Score
