Pat Cummins Inks Four-Year Deal with San Francisco Unicorns
Australia’s esteemed captain, Pat Cummins, has taken a monumental step in his career by signing a four-year contract with Major League Cricket’s (MLC) San Francisco Unicorns. This move makes Cummins one of the most notable additions to the MLC, marking a significant expansion in his cricketing journey.
Cummins’ Move: A Unique Opportunity
Cummins’ decision to join the San Francisco Unicorns is particularly noteworthy given his limited history with overseas T20 leagues. Apart from the IPL, he has not participated in Australia’s Big Bash League since the 2018-19 season, primarily due to his international duties.
“MLC is developing at a rapid rate, and the US market potential is huge for cricket,” Cummins remarked in a statement from the SF Unicorns. “While cricket is integral to my involvement, the global network and long-term possibilities offered by the owners specifically, and Silicon Valley more broadly, presented a unique opportunity for me and my life beyond cricket.”
Silicon Valley: A New Chapter for Cummins
The allure of Silicon Valley and its entrepreneurial spirit played a crucial role in Cummins’ decision. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, the co-owners of SF Unicorns and prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. “Anand and Venky operate in a business world that excites me enormously and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Cummins added.
Impact on Australia’s Future Tours
The MLC is scheduled to run from July 6 to 29 this year. Meanwhile, Australia is slated for an all-format series tour in the West Indies, featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is, in June-July next year. As Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Cummins’ participation in both assignments could be challenging. Although he does not lead in T20Is, his recent stint as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading them to the IPL 2024 final, underscores his versatility and commitment.
Expanding the Unicorns’ Roster
Joining Cummins at the San Francisco Unicorns is the hard-hitting Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. This addition fortifies the Unicorns’ lineup, further enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Washington Freedom, another MLC franchise, has also bolstered its squad with notable Australian players such as Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and Steven Smith, alongside New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.
High-Profile MLC Signings
The 2024 MLC season is set to feature several high-profile signings. Los Angeles Knight Riders have secured Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and South Africa’s David Miller. MI New York welcomes South Africa’s Anrich Nortje and West Indies’ Romario Shepherd. Texas Super Kings have added South Africa’s Aiden Markram and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, while Seattle Orcas have signed South Africa’s Nandre Burger and West Indies’ Obed McCoy.
MLC’s Growing Prestige
In its second season, MLC has achieved List A status, becoming the second Associate-run franchise competition to receive this recognition from the ICC after the UAE’s ILT20. This status ensures that MLC’s matches and player performances will be recorded in official T20 statistics, marking a significant milestone in the league’s evolution.
With Cummins’ signing, the San Francisco Unicorns have not only gained a world-class cricketer but also a leader who is eager to explore the intersection of sports and global business.