Former India cricket team star Ravicandran Ashiwn has been ruled out of the remainder of Major League Cricket (MLC 2026) due to an injury. This comes as a blow to the San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) who bagged the veteran in the auction ahead of the tournament. Ashwin’s entry into the MLC was possible in 2026 as he had retired from international cricket in 2024 and from the IPL & domestic cricket in 2025, paving way for him to participate in other T20 leagues across the globe.
Ashwin’s maiden MLC stint ends early
As per a statement issued by San Francisco Unicorns, Ashwin has been ruled out of the remainder of MLC 2026 due to a right knee injury. Despite all the hype surrounding the veteran all-rounder joining SFU in the tournament in the USA, he featured in just one game this season, where he went wicketless and conceded 24 runs in the 2 overs that he bowled. Perhaps, the surfaces in the USA favouring pacers over spinners was the main reason why Ash was kept out of the playing XI.
“I’m disappointed to end the season early, but unfortunately this injury means that’s the right decision. I’ve truly loved my time with the San Francisco Unicorns and will be cheering the boys on for the rest of the tournament. Thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone across the San Francisco Unicorns organization, and all the Unicorns fans for your incredible support,” Ashwin said after being ruled out.
Australia’s Peter Siddle has been approved as Ashwin’s replacement in SFU for the rest of MLC 2026. The pacer has already impressed in the opening games of the tournament as cover for Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie.
Meanwhile, Ashwin will be racing against time to recover and be fit for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) which is scheduled to begin in late August. Ashwin is both the captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians franchise – a team thatis owned by former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. Ashwin was also supposed to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) in the previous season after being signed by Sydney Thunder. However, he couldn’t do so as he had to undergo surgery.
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