Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) season after sustaining a right knee injury, the San Francisco Unicorns confirmed on Thursday (July 9). Veteran Australian pacer Peter Siddle has been approved as his replacement for the rest of the tournament.
Ashwin’s injury also raises concerns ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which begins in late August. The former India off-spinner is set to captain and mentor the Dublin Guardians, the Rahul Dravid-owned franchise, after being signed as one of the league’s direct overseas picks.
The 39-year-old featured in just one match during this year’s MLC campaign, returning figures of 0/24 from two overs against the Texas Super Kings. Earlier this year, Ashwin was also forced to miss what would have been his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) stint with Sydney Thunder after undergoing knee surgery.
“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 organisation, and all the Unicorns fans for your incredible support,” Ashwin said in a statement.
San Francisco Unicorns General Manager of Cricket Performance Graham Manou said Ashwin’s absence would be a significant loss both on and off the field.
“Losing a player of Ashwin’s quality and stature to a mid-season injury is naturally disappointing. Beyond his performances on the field, he has been an outstanding professional and a tremendous leader within our group. Ashwin has had a real impact on our entire team, and we wish him every success with his recovery,” Manou said.
Co-owner Anand Rajaraman echoed those sentiments, praising Ashwin’s influence on the franchise.
“One of our ambitions has always been to bring world-class cricketers and world-class people to the Bay Area. Ashwin has been both, with his impact extending far beyond his performances on the field. We’re grateful for the leadership and experience he has shared with our team and wish him every success with his recovery as we continue our pursuit of our first MLC championship,” he said.
Siddle, who had initially joined the Unicorns as injury cover for Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie, will now remain with the squad for the rest of the season. The 41-year-old former Australia fast bowler has taken 221 wickets in 67 Tests and brings a wealth of experience from franchise T20 cricket around the world.
The Unicorns currently sit atop the MLC 2026 points table with five wins from eight matches and will next face the Los Angeles Knight Riders and Seattle Orcas as they push for a place in the playoffs.
