“Cricket in the United States is at a really exciting stage. Major League Cricket has the potential to become an important part of the global cricket landscape.” — Ravichandran Ashwin.
Former Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed confidence in the future of cricket in the United States after joining the San Francisco Unicorns for the fourth season of Major League Cricket (MLC).
Speaking with Indiaspora founder and chairman M.R. Rangaswami, Ashwin said the franchise’s long-term vision and analytical approach played a key role in his decision to join the California-based side.
“The Unicorns presented a vision that went beyond simply signing a player,” Ashwin said. “From my very first conversations with the owners and leadership group, it was clear they are building something with a long-term mindset.”
The veteran off-spinner said he was impressed by the team’s emphasis on data and planning, describing the move as a natural fit.
Ashwin’s arrival comes as Major League Cricket continues its effort to establish professional cricket in the United States and expand the sport’s reach beyond traditional cricket-playing nations.
Reflecting on the league’s growth, Ashwin said the United States offers a unique opportunity to introduce cricket to new audiences while also engaging established cricket-loving communities.
“Cricket in the United States is at a really exciting stage,” he said. “Major League Cricket has the potential to become an important part of the global cricket landscape, and it’s exciting to be involved at this stage of its journey.”
One of the most accomplished spin bowlers in cricket history, Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 after a distinguished career spanning more than a decade. He finished with 537 Test wickets, the second-highest tally by an Indian bowler, and became one of only three players in Test history to achieve the rare double of 500 wickets and 3,000 runs in the format.
The Chennai-born cricketer was also a member of India’s victorious squads at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian sport.
Ashwin also highlighted the growing role of technology and analytics in modern cricket, predicting that data-driven decision-making would become even more important in the years ahead.
“Technology is already playing a significant role in cricket, and I think that will only continue to grow,” he said. “The teams that embrace these tools effectively will have a real advantage.”
Known throughout his career for innovation and tactical thinking, Ashwin built a reputation as one of cricket’s most cerebral players, using variations such as the carrom ball and subtle changes of pace to outthink opponents.
His move to the San Francisco Unicorns is viewed as another milestone for Major League Cricket, which continues to attract established international stars as it seeks to strengthen its profile and accelerate the growth of the sport in North America.
