R Ashwin to team up with Pakistan Bowler at MLC, The Pakistani was destroyed by Virat Kohli Once in World Cup

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In a landmark move for Indian cricket and the growing American T20 league, Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season of Major League Cricket (MLC). The veteran off-spinner, who retired from international cricket, becomes the first former India international to compete in the league.

Ashwin, with a staggering 765 international wickets across all formats and a reputation as one of the smartest cricketing minds, brings immense experience and all-round value to the Unicorns. The 39-year-old described the opportunity as one he couldn’t pass up, stating that the MLC has proven its ability to showcase world-class talent while providing significant exposure to U.S. domestic players.

The San Francisco Unicorns have steadily built a competitive squad since the league’s inception in 2023. Ashwin’s signing adds spin depth and tactical acumen to a side already featuring explosive batters and pace options.

This move marks Ashwin’s first T20 league stint outside the IPL, as the Major League Cricket continues to rise on the global stage. The 2026 season is scheduled to begin in June, with matches set to be played at multiple venues.

Ashwin to Team Up with Pakistan's Haris Rauf

Interestingly, Ashwin will share the dressing room with Pakistan’s express pacer Haris Rauf, who has been a key part of the Unicorns setup since the inaugural edition and was retained for 2026. The spin-pace combination promises to be a potent weapon for the franchise in the upcoming season.

While the two will now hunt wickets together for the same team, cricket fans will recall a fiery on-field clash from the past that defined one of the most memorable moments in India-Pakistan rivalry.

Virat Kohli destroyed Rauf in T20 World Cup 2022