"My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games"
Ahead of the 2026 Major League Cricket season, the San Francisco Unicorns have signed Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin.
The move marks a historic moment for the franchise and the sport in the United States, as Ashwin becomes the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket.
He is also one of the most prominent Indian players to feature in an international T20 tournament outside the Indian Premier League.
Ashwin said: “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.”
Ashwin was part of India’s squads that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
He has also earned more than 100 caps in both Test and ODI cricket, alongside 65 T20 international appearances.
In franchise cricket, he remains among the top five wicket-takers in IPL history. He has represented Chennai Super Kings, as well as stints with Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals.
The Unicorns have signed Ashwin for his world-class spin bowling and tactical intelligence. The franchise believes his presence will strengthen leadership on and off the pitch.
Head coach Cameron White said: “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.”
Unicorns co-owner Anand Rajaraman said: “The signing of a true global cricketing icon in Ravi Ashwin is a landmark moment for the Unicorns and the league as a whole.
“While he’ll obviously bring the spotlight on the team, Ashwin will also bring a unique wealth of T20 experience and cricketing talent that will be of huge benefit to us on the pitch.
“We have sky-high aspirations for this franchise and the growth of cricket in the US, and through our initial conversations with Ashwin, he’s fully onboard with our vision and route to sustained success.
“We can’t wait to get the season started and give our passionate fans a new hero to cheer on.”
CEO David White added: “The arrival of Ravichandran Ashwin is a seismic moment, not just for the Unicorns, but for the entire trajectory of 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.
“This signing is about our championship ambitions, but also proof of our evolution as a franchise.
“By bringing a global icon to the Bay Area, we are scaling our international footprint and creating a unique bridge for our partners to engage with the global cricketing ecosystem.”
The Unicorns begin their 2026 campaign on June 19 against the LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, near Dallas, Texas. The 2026 MLC will conclude on July 18.
Loading ...