R Ashwin to share dressing room with PAK pacer Haris Rauf at San Francisco Unicorns in historic MLC move

The move to San Francisco Unicorns also makes R Ashwin the first-ever Indian-capped player to compete in the MLC.

Published on: Mar 28, 2026, 20:03:49 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former India cricketer R Ashwin has signed for San Francisco Unicorns for MLS 2026 and will be joining Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf in the dressing room. Rauf has been with Unicorns since the inaugural season (2023).

R Ashwin is set to play with Haris Rauf.

The deal also makes Ashwin the first-ever Indian-capped player to compete in the MLC. This is Ashwin's second stint as a T20 freelancer. He joined the Sydney Thunder for BBL 2025-26. He was set to play with Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan. But then a knee injury ruled him out, and he also underwent surgery for it.

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Speaking in an official press release, he 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, who is the head coach of San Francisco Unicorns, opened up on Ashwin's decision to sign for his side. "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."

Meanwhile, Anand Rajaraman, co-owner of the franchise, 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."

During his international playing career, Ashwin took more than 500 wickets in Tests and was the fastest bowler to get to 300 dismissals in the format, in terms of number of innings. He has also won eleven Man of the Series awards in Tests, which is the most for any player, along with Muttiah Muralitharan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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