Ravichandran Ashwin MS Dhoni for CSK. Image Credits: AFP
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to resume playing cricket after a brief hiatus post-retirement. The off-spinner had signed up for a major franchise league in the USA, where he would mesmerise the crowd with his impeccable skill.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December of 2024, chose to explore the realms of franchise cricket. He had earlier signed a contract with Sydney Thunder to feature in the BBL.
However, that move didn’t materialise due to an unfortunate injury. Regardless, after ditching Australia, Ashwin is all set to move to the USA.
Ravichandran Ashwin starts training for MLC 2026
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Ravichandran Ashwin was signed by the San Francisco Unicorns for the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 season. He became the first Indian international player to feature in MLC.
The MLC 2026 is set to begin on June 18, and all teams have set up their pre-season camps. Ashwin also joined the San Francisco Unicorns to begin his formal training for the upcoming edition.
This is the first time since his retirement that Ravichandran Ashwin will be seen playing competitive cricket, that too outside India.
Interestingly, Ashwin is also expected to team up with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf. However, the latter is yet to join the squad. It also remains unclear is PCB will allow an NOC to Rauf to feature in this tournament.
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MLC 2026 to begin on June 18
That being said, the MLC 2026 season will begin on June 18, with the finals scheduled for June 18. The Texas Super Kings will compete against the Seattle Orcas in the tournament opener at Dallas.
Meanwhile, defending champions MI New York will play against Washington Freedom on June 20. On the other hand, San Francisco Unicorns will begin their campaign against the Los Angeles Knight Riders on June 19 at the Dallas Stadium.
The Unicorns have never won the MLC title before. Hence, with a legendary figure like Ravichandran Ashwin by their side, they will aim to break the curse and lift the title this year.
San Francisco Unicorns invest heavily in AI technology
Meanwhile, to break their trophy drought, San Francisco Unicorns have adopted an AI-powered platform called SFU AI to help with player recruitment, draft strategy, opposition analysis and match tactics and decision-making.
The strategy has produced strong results. They have regularly been among the best batting and bowling teams in MLC and reached the final in 2024. However, despite excelling statistically, they have not yet won the title.
Regardless, this year, the Unicorns will hope for a change in fate. Under the leadership of Matthew Short, the squad is well built and is expected to put up a good fight to ensure a deep playoff run.
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