Ashwin is the first Indian international player to join the US Major League
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make history as the first Indian international to participate in the U.S.-based Major League Cricket (MLC), following the announcement of his signing by the San Francisco Unicorns for the Twenty20 competition’s 2026 season on Saturday.
Ashwin, having represented India in 287 matches across all formats and taken 765 wickets, retired from international cricket in 2024 and concluded his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last year.
The 39-year-old, who ranks as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after Anil Kumble, was scheduled to play for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League but was unable to participate due to a knee injury.
“Assuming the role as the first Indian-capped player to participate in Major League Cricket is a significant responsibility that I wholeheartedly accept,” Ashwin stated. “My complete dedication is to assist this franchise in winning games and striving for its inaugural championship while also delivering an impressive brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans.”
The MLC commences its fourth season on June 18.
