Ravichandran Ashwin Joins San Francisco Unicorns for Major League Cricket

Ashwin's Exciting New Venture in American Cricket

New Delhi, March 28 - Former Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has officially joined the San Francisco Unicorns, a franchise in the Major League Cricket (MLC), for the upcoming season of this American T20 league, as reported by a leading sports outlet. The tournament is scheduled to commence on June 19, 2023.

Ashwin, who is now 39 years old, shared his enthusiasm for the league, noting the impressive turnout from the Asian community during previous matches, which highlighted the potential growth of cricket in the United States. He stated, “The reception from the Asian diaspora during that game demonstrated the immense possibilities for cricket in America. It’s truly thrilling,” as quoted by the sports outlet.

This marks Ashwin's debut in a T20 league outside of the Indian Premier League, following his retirement from international cricket in December 2024. Although he had previously signed with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League for the 2025-26 season, he had to withdraw due to a knee injury.

He expressed his eagerness to witness firsthand the enthusiasm for cricket among the youth and the broader community in the U.S., particularly among expatriates. “I wanted to experience the atmosphere and see what it feels like when we arrive for Major League Cricket,” Ashwin remarked.

Johnny Grave, the CEO of MLC, emphasized that Ashwin's participation signifies the league's growth since its inception in 2023. “This will be Ashwin's first experience in a major global franchise competition outside India. Attracting a player of his caliber is a clear indication of how far the league has come in just three years since its launch,” he stated.