Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make history in Major League Cricket 2026 after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns, becoming the first Indian-capped player to feature in the league.
## What happened?
The experienced spinner decided to call time on his international career in late 2024 and stepped away from the IPL in 2025, allowing him to consider foreign franchise opportunities.
Ashwin's presence is a huge recognition for MLC, a competition that has turned into one of the major franchise leagues outside the IPL in a remarkably short period.
## Why it matters for Ravichandran Ashwin
Since its inception in 2023, the league has managed to bring in top stars from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, and Pakistan, but Indian internationals have been missing due to BCCI rules and busy playing schedules.
The 39-year-old player's signing is a significant milestone for the league, marking the first time an Indian player will participate.
## What comes next?
Ashwin will share the team room with Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf in the San Francisco Unicorns, a unique opportunity for the two players who have frequently represented opposing nations at the international level.
As of June 18, Ashwin's signing has generated significant interest in the cricket community, with fans eager to see him in action.
The San Francisco Unicorns have kept Rauf as one of their leading overseas players, making the upcoming season an exciting prospect for fans.
Ashwin's experience and skills will undoubtedly be an asset to the team, and his presence is expected to draw more attention to the league.
With the signing of Ashwin, the MLC has taken a significant step forward in establishing itself as a premier cricket league, and fans can expect an exciting season ahead.
The league's ability to attract top talent from around the world is a testament to its growing reputation, and Ashwin's participation will only add to its credibility.
As the season approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Ashwin performs and how the San Francisco Unicorns fare with their new signing.