Romario Article

WEST INDIAN T20 SPECIALIST ROMARIO SHEPHERD SIGNS FOR SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS

May 1 2025
  • Guyana-born bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd is the latest Unicorns signing for Cognizant Major League Cricket 2025.
  • Shepherd brings IPL, CPL, SA20, and previous MLC experience to the Unicorns’ roster for the third edition of the US cricket tournament.

The San Francisco Unicorns has added West Indian T20 specialist and bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd to its roster for the 2025 Cognizant Major League Cricket season.

Having made his name in the Caribbean Premier League, Shepherd, 30, has gone on to become a household T20 star, representing some of the biggest global franchises in the world, including Mumbai Indians and Joburg Super Kings, while earning over 50 T20I caps for his native West Indies.

Shepherd holds career-best bowling figures of 4/13 in the shortest format, and while known primarily for his pace with the ball, has gained a well-earned reputation as a destructive finisher at the crease, with an international average of over 26 at a strike rate of 139.

The West Indian will come prepared for the conditions of MLC cricket and the strength of the Unicorns’ team, having represented MI New York four times in 2024, including an appearance against his new side at the Grand Prairie Stadium, which ended in a Unicorns victory.

Romario Shepherd is the latest signing to bolster the San Francisco team’s roster for the new season, with Australian internationals Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett recently announced, along with New Zealand international wicketkeeper batsman Tim Seifert.

Romario Shepherd said: “I’ve seen first-hand the quality and entertainment that’s on show at Major League Cricket, and this represents a huge opportunity to return for the 2025 season and help the Unicorns to success in what’s going to be the tournament’s biggest edition yet.

“I got a taste of the Texas support and Grand Prairie atmosphere last year, but playing in front of our home fans for the first time at the Oakland Coliseum will be a completely different experience. I can’t wait to get started with Shane and the team.”

Shane Watson, Head Coach of San Francisco Unicorns, said: “Romario’s reputation on the global T20 circuit is impressive. His experience playing in different conditions and ability to both lead the bowling attack and finish an innings with the bat will be a major asset to the Unicorns this season.

“We’re continuing to build a squad that can adapt as a team and individuals to various conditions, while always looking to dominate with power hitting and smart bowling, and Romario’s professionalism and skillset will be a strong fit for our playing style.”

The San Francisco Unicorns will kick off the 2025 MLC season at the Oakland Coliseum in California, opening the tournament against last year’s champions, Washington Freedom, on Thursday, June 12. They’ll play two more matches at the same venue—facing the LA Knight Riders on June 14 and MI New York on June 15—before the teams move on to the next set of fixtures at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.

Tickets for all matches are now on sale and can be purchased through the official Cognizant Major League Cricket website.