![Ravichandran Ashwin moves to USA [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774704132077_rashwin.jpg?type=hq)
Ravichandran Ashwin moves to USA [Source: AFP]
Former CSK veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has signed up for another franchise league after his BBL dream was shattered last year. Since he is retired from the IPL and international cricket, Ashwin is free to make a move abroad.
Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners, retired from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He later quit IPL as well after playing his last season for CSK.
Ravichandran Ashwin to move to the USA
In a surprising move, Ravichandran Ashwin is set to feature in the US-based Major League Cricket (MLC) from the upcoming season. He signed a contract with the San Francisco Unicorns, thus becoming the first Indian-capped player to feature in the league.
Traditionally, Indian players are not allowed to feature in any other foreign leagues apart from the IPL. But Ashwin can do this because he has retired from international cricket and the IPL.
This move was also on the cards, as in his IPL retirement announcement, Ravichandran Ashwin hinted that he wanted to explore other franchise leagues outside of India.
As a result, he signed up for the BBL 2025 season as well until an injury ruled him out, and he couldn’t make his debut there.
Also, Ashwin could be sharing the dressing room with Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf as he's also contracted with San Francisco Unicorns.
Overall, the MLC is a growing league, and having Ashwin on board will only enhance its brand image. MLC already had stars like Faf du Plessis, Kieron Pollard and Trent Boult playing for them. But a legendary Indian name unlocks a huge fanbase.
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Ashwin earlier failed to debut in the BBL and ILT20
That being said, soon after his IPL retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin registered for the ILT20 auction, where he surprisingly went unsold.
He tried his luck in the BBL, where he signed up for the Sydney Thunder. The stage was set for his highly anticipated debut, but fate had other plans.
Just weeks before the tournament, Ashwin suffered a knee injury which required surgery. Hence, he was ruled out of the entire BBL season before it even began.
The franchise made it clear that they were devastated but valued Ashwin’s long-term association in the future.
Ravichandran Ashwin to join IPL 2026
Having said that, Ravichandran Ashwin’s upcoming assignment is neither MLC nor BBL. It's the IPL 2026 edition, as Ashwin will join the Hindi commentary panel with JioHotstar.
This marks his official entry into the commentary world. He’ll join some of the biggest names in cricket like Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar.
Having Ravichandran Ashwin in the commentary box is a treat for fans as the spinner has a deep tactical understanding of the game. He can provide insights and communicate them with clarity.
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28 in Bengaluru with defending champions RCB taking on SRH in the opening fixture.
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