Major League Cricket 2026: R Ashwin headlines San Francisco Unicorns as Oakland hosts finale

League enters landmark fourth season

Major League Cricket has entered its fourth season, with the competition continuing to grow in stature and significance as the flagship T20 tournament in the United States. What began in 2023 as an ambitious project has evolved into a thriving competition attracting some of the biggest names in world cricket while playing a pivotal role in expanding the game's reach across North America.

Six teams chase the crown

This year's edition brings another exciting chapter as six teams chase 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 makes history with Unicorns

MLC 2026 also marks the arrival of former India spinner R Ashwin, who joins the San Francisco Unicorns and becomes the first retired India international to feature in the league. 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.

Format and venue

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.

A blockbuster five weeks ahead

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