INDIAN LEGEND RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN SIGNS FOR SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS

• Veteran off-spinner becomes first-ever Indian international to play in Major League Cricket.
• World Cup winner and top-five wicket-taker in IPL history brings world-class bowling and leadership capabilities to the Bay Area franchise.

The San Francisco Unicorns have secured a landmark signing for the 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC) season, adding Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin to its roster.

The deal marks a historic moment for the franchise and for the sport in the United States, with Ashwin becoming the first-ever Indian-capped player to compete in the league, and one of the most prominent Indian players to take part in an international T20 tournament outside of the Indian Premier League.

Ashwin joins the Unicorns with a unique cricketing resume, having won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, and has earned over 100 caps in both Test and ODI cricket, with 65 appearances in T20 internationals. 

He remains one of the top five wicket-takers in IPL history, having represented his home franchise, the Chennai Super Kings. He also had stints with Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals.

Signed for his world-class spin bowling and strong tactical acumen, Ashwin brings the Unicorns a significant leadership asset on and off the pitch, as well as being a household name set to thrill Major League Cricket and resonate strongly with the Bay Area’s large South Asian community, further strengthening the franchise’s connection to one of cricket’s most passionate fan bases.

Ravichandran Ashwin, San Francisco Unicorns’ statement signing, 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.”

Cameron White, Head Coach of San Francisco Unicorns, 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.”

Anand Rajaraman, co-owner of San Francisco Unicorns, 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.”

David White, CEO of the San Francisco Unicorns, said: “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.”

San Francisco Unicorns’ MLC season begins on Friday, June 19, 2026 against LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, near Dallas, Texas, with the tournament culminating at Ashwin’s new home ground, the Oakland Coliseum, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.