Post-International Retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin Eyes New Challenge in USA

Team India veteran Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to display his skills in American soil. The 39-year-old has joined the San Francisco Unicorns, a team in the United States’ Major League Cricket (MLC). The tournament is scheduled to begin from June 19.

Ashwin is very excited about this new challenge. He said, "The love that Asians have shown for cricket in America clearly demonstrates the future of cricket in America. I want to go there and experience that atmosphere myself."

Since retiring from international cricket in December 2024, this will be Ashwin's first time playing in a foreign T20 league other than the IPL. He had previously signed for Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), but was unable to play due to a knee injury. Ashwin explained that he decided to join the MLC after seeing the craze for cricket among Indians and children in the US. Ashwin's IPL career has also been impressive. He has represented major teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals. After years of showcasing his spin magic in the IPL, he will now make a similar impact in the US.

MLC Chief Executive Johnny Grave called this a major success for the league. He said, "Ashwin's first time playing in a global league outside India proves how strong our league has become in the last three years. It's a matter of pride to have a player of Ashwin's stature join us."

A notable point here is that while Indian-origin players like Unmukt Chand have previously played in Major League Cricket (MLC), Ashwin is the first Indian player to have played for the Indian national team (Senior Indian Team) and now join this league. This marks the first time a major capped player who has brought glory to India at the international level has signed with this American league.