MI New York chase third MLC crown as Ravichandran Ashwin makes history with San Francisco Unicorns

Major League Cricket enters its fourth season in 2026 with defending champions MI New York chasing a third title, Ravichandran Ashwin making history as the first retired India international to feature in the league, and the postseason set for the Oakland Coliseum across a five-week, 34-match campaign.

A league coming of age

What began in 2023 as an ambitious project has evolved into a thriving competition that attracts some of the biggest names in world cricket while playing a pivotal role in expanding the game's reach in North America. As Major League Cricket enters its fourth season, the league continues to grow in stature and significance, cementing its position as the flagship T20 tournament in the United States.

Six teams, one crown

This year's edition brings another exciting chapter, with six teams chasing the title. Defending champions MI New York will be aiming to add a third crown to their cabinet, while runners-up Washington Freedom will seek redemption after narrowly missing out in last year's final.

Texas Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns remain perennial contenders, while Seattle Orcas and Los Angeles Knight Riders will be eager to break new ground and challenge for their maiden championship.

Ashwin's landmark arrival

MLC 2026 also marks the arrival of former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who joins the San Francisco Unicorns and becomes the first retired India international to feature in the league — a signing that underscores the competition's growing global pull.

He joins a star-studded cast that includes Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Matt Short, Finn Allen and Shimron Hetmyer, among others, giving the American tournament one of its deepest rosters of proven match-winners yet.

Double round-robin and an Oakland finale

Each team will play 10 league matches in a double round-robin format, with the top four progressing to the playoffs. The postseason and final will be staged at the Oakland Coliseum, which hosted league games for the first time last year and now becomes the centrepiece of the competition.

Across five weeks and 34 matches, fans can expect blockbuster contests, emerging stars and world-class performances as Major League Cricket continues its rapid rise.

What to expect

With new venues, bigger names and a growing global audience, MLC 2026 is poised to deliver its most exciting and impactful season yet.