Ravichandran Ashwin Quits MLC After Just One Game, San Francisco Unicorns In Shock

Ravichandran Ashwin Quits MLC After Just One Game [Source: X]

Former Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the remainder of the Major League Cricket (MLC) season after suffering a right knee injury. He played just a single game in his debut season for the San Francisco Unicorns.

Ashwin, who quit international cricket and the IPL in 2025, opened the doors to foreign franchise leagues as he wished to stay connected to cricket for a long while.

He had signed for the MLC 2026 season with the San Francisco Unicorns. However, the dream debut didn’t last long.

Ashwin has been ruled out of the MLC 2026 season

In a significant development, Ravichandran Ashwin has quit MLC 2026 due to a knee injury. His franchise, the San Francisco Unicorns, announced that former Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle will replace him for the rest of the tournament. 

Interestingly, this was Ashwin's first overseas franchise league after retiring from Indian cricket. Because active Indian men's cricketers are not allowed to play in overseas T20 leagues, Ashwin's move to MLC after retirement was a landmark moment. 

Unfortunately, Ravichandran Ashwin featured in only one match. Playing against the Texas Super Kings, he bowled 2 overs and conceded 24 runs without taking a single wicket.

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Ashwin reacts to his MLC snub

Having said that, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed disappointment over his shortened MLC stint but accepted that withdrawing was the right decision. He thanked his teammates, coach, San Francisco Unicorns management and fans for their support.

“I’m disappointed to end the season early, but unfortunately this injury means that’s the right decision. I’ve truly loved my time with the San Francisco Unicorns and will be cheering the boys on for the rest of the tournament. Thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone across the San Francisco Unicorns organization, and all the Unicorns fans for your incredible support," Ashwin said.

The Unicorns praised Ashwin's contribution, saying he brought leadership and experience to the squad. He made a positive impact beyond his on-field performances, and the former legend could always be welcome back in the future. 

“Losing a player of Ashwin’s quality and stature to a mid-season injury is naturally disappointing. Beyond his performances on the field, he has been an outstanding professional and a tremendous leader within our group. Ashwin has had a real impact on our entire team, and we wish him every success with his recovery," Graham Manou, GM of Unicorns said.

Ashwin had to quit the Big Bash League previously

This isn’t the first time Ravichandran Ashwin has missed a tournament. He had already withdrawn from the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier because of a knee problem. 

Ashwin had signed for Sydney Thunder, but just weeks before the tournament began, the spinner was ruled out. However, it also says it is not confirmed whether this latest right knee injury is the same issue or a recurrence. 

For now, Ravichandran Ashwin will return home from the USA. The San Francisco Unicorns began their MLC 2026 season on a winning note as they beat MI New York by 9 wickets. 

MI had posted a total of 143 runs on the board. But in the chase, the Unicorns cruised. Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 102* off 52 balls with 10 fours and 5 sixes. 

Finn Allen and Matthew Short also contributed with 20 and 19 runs each as San Francisco Unicorns chased down the total in 15.4 overs. 

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