Major League Cricket Gears Up for Fourth Season as Ravichandran Ashwin Joins San Francisco Unicorns

Major League Cricket (MLC) is set to embark on its fourth season, further establishing its footprint as the premier T20 tournament in North America. Since its inaugural campaign in 2023, the competition has steadily evolved from an ambitious venture into a global cricketing spectacle featuring some of the sport's biggest international names.

Ravichandran Ashwin Makes Historic MLC Move

A headline feature of the 2026 campaign is the landmark signing of former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Joining the San Francisco Unicorns, Ashwin becomes the first retired India international cricketer to participate in the American T20 league.

Ashwin adds to an illustrious roster of international talent participating across the franchises, including Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Matt Short, Finn Allen, and Shimron Hetmyer.

Title Race and Tournament Structure

Defending champions MI New York will be aiming to secure their third MLC title, while last year's runners-up Washington Freedom target redemption. The six-team competition also features perennial contenders Texas Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns, alongside Seattle Orcas and Los Angeles Knight Riders, both striving to capture their first championship.

The tournament features a double round-robin stage where each franchise plays 10 regular-season matches. The top four teams will advance to the postseason playoffs. In total, 34 matches will be contested across five weeks of high-octane action.

Oakland Coliseum to Host Playoffs and Final

The postseason and grand final will be staged at the iconic Oakland Coliseum. Having hosted select league fixtures last year, the venue takes center stage for the 2026 championship decider, underscoring the tournament's expanding infrastructure and audience reach across the United States.