![Ashwin and Rauf have not played together in MLC [Source: @Tejashyyyyyy/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782364111351_AshwinandRaufhavenotplayedtogetherinMLC.jpg?type=hq)
Ashwin and Rauf have not played together in MLC [Source: @Tejashyyyyyy/x.com]
The MLC 2026 is going strong with six teams battling against each other to be crowned the MLC champion. Players from all around the globe are participating in the tournament, and one of the big Indian names, R Ashwin, has also featured in the marquee event.
The former Indian cricketer plays for the San Fransico Unicorns, and he plays alongside Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, who was also roped in by the franchise for MLC 2026.
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has certainly heated up since the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, and when it was announced that R Ashwin would share the same dressing room as Rauf, it came as a surprise to many.
However, despite playing for the same franchise, it seems all is not well between Rauf and Ashwin in the ongoing tournament.
Drama between Ashwin and Rauf in MLC 2026
The San Francisco Unicorns have played three matches in the MLC 2026 tournament, and despite being the two best players in the side, Ashwin and Rauf have not played together in any of the matches.
In the first game of the tournament for the Unicorns, Rauf was picked, and R Ashwin was dropped from the playing XI. In the second game, the reverse decision was made as the Indian legend was picked, and the Pakistan player was dropped.
The San Francisco Unicorns played their third game against the Texas Super Kings, and Ashwin was once again not selected, while Haris Rauf was given the preference.
Hence, the question arises: Is this just a random selection call, or could it be related to the India - Pakistan rivalry?
Possible reasons why both Ashwin and Rauf have not played together
One reason could be that both players do not fit well together in the team’s scheme of things. In some conditions, the Unicorns require an extra pacer, and in certain wickets, Ashwin’s spin would come in handy.
Also Read: 5 Times India-Pakistan Cricketers Played On The Same Team
However, that theory could be wrong as all the wickets in MLC have assisted the spinners, as they have been on the slower side, and hence, Ashwin should have played all the games.
On the other hand, the most likely situation could be that the Indian legend might have denied playing with Rauf. In the last 1.5 years, tension has escalated between the two nations, and there is a possibility that one of the two star players might have denied playing with the other.
Ashwin, Rauf interacted with MLC fans together
Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and active Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf got together and seemingly interacted with each other during an MLC 2026 event.
There might be differences of opinion amongst the India-Pakistan fans, but on Monday, June 22, the two nations witnessed Ashwin and Rauf come together for a fan event.
In a viral moment trending on social media, the two cricketers can be seen sitting together at the meet-up while being surrounded by fans of the franchise. The two cricketers interacted with fans, and handed them autographs as the visuals went viral quickly.
Also Read: Faf du Plessis Turns Back The Clock With A Flying Worldie Catch
