Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Major League Cricket as First Capped Indian Player
Ashwin's Historic Move to Major League Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make history as the first capped Indian cricketer to participate in Major League Cricket, having signed with the San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) for the 2026 season. The tournament is set to kick off on June 19 in the United States. This landmark signing sees Ashwin becoming the first Indian player to compete at the international level in this American T20 league.
The seasoned off-spinner, who played pivotal roles in India's 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy victories, boasts an impressive record of 765 wickets across 287 matches in various formats. He ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
In a statement from SFU regarding his signing, Ashwin expressed his excitement: "The MLC has demonstrated its ability to showcase world-class talent while providing significant exposure to domestic cricket in the U.S. Joining the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldn't let slip by." He further stated, "Being the first Indian-capped player in Major League Cricket is a significant responsibility that I wholeheartedly accept. My primary goal is to assist this franchise in winning matches and striving for our first championship, while delivering an exciting brand of cricket for the fans in the Bay Area."
Ashwin is also among the top five wicket-takers in IPL history, having played for franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals throughout his illustrious career. San Francisco Unicorns head coach Cameron White welcomed Ashwin, stating, "We are incredibly excited to have a player of Ashwin's caliber join the Unicorns. He is recognized globally for his match-winning abilities and cricketing acumen."
White added, "Signing the first Indian-capped player is a monumental moment for our franchise and the MLC. However, his primary role is to help us secure victories. His experience in high-pressure scenarios and skill variations will be crucial both on the field and in practice, and I eagerly anticipate starting our training with him."
Ashwin was initially slated to play in the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder but had to withdraw due to a knee injury. The San Francisco Unicorns will commence their season against the LA Knight Riders at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas, with the tournament concluding on July 18 at the Oakland Coliseum. The franchise has retained several key players for the upcoming season, including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen, and Haris Rauf, along with domestic players Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale, and Hammad Azam.