Users Claim Ravi Ashwin and Haris Rauf Avoid Playing With Each Other for San Francisco Unicorns in MLC 2026
Major League Cricket 2026 is underway, and early season action for the San Francisco Unicorns has sparked significant fan discussion. Speculation is rife regarding the playing XI selections, particularly focusing on the prominent international bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Haris Rauf and claims about their joint or individual appearances in the team.
The fourth season of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 commenced on June 18, 2026, sparking immediate fan engagement. For the San Francisco Unicorns, early season matches have already ignited significant debate, particularly concerning the playing XI selections of star bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Haris Rauf. The team's performances and player choices are under keen observation as the tournament progresses. Mitchell Owen Records Highest-Ever Individual Score in Major League Cricket History, Achieves Feat During Washington Freedom vs MI New York MLC 2026.
Fan Questions Why No Ravi Ashwin and Harif Rauf in XI
🚨 Ashwin vs Haris Rauf: Why aren't they playing together? 🚨
Ravichandran Ashwin and Haris Rauf are both playing for the San Francisco Unicorns, but they are yet to share the field! Look at this pattern:
👉 Game 1: Rauf plays, Ashwin is out.
👉 Game 2: Ashwin plays, Rauf is… pic.twitter.com/Fizxt572Yh
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) June 25, 2026
User Claims Issue Between Ravi Ashwin and Haris Rauf
🚨 Drama between Ashwin and Haris Rauf in the MLC:
Both are playing for the same franchise, San Francisco Unicorns, but they have not played together in the same match.
- 1st Match: Haris Rauf played, Ashwin was dropped.
- 2nd Match: Ashwin played, Haris Rauf was dropped.
- 3rd… pic.twitter.com/yWsRWbpcet
— Indian Cricket Ministry (@Tejashyyyyyy) June 25, 2026
Early Season Overview: Unicorns' Opening Matches
The MLC 2026 season began with great anticipation, and the San Francisco Unicorns, a team featuring a strong international lineup, played their opening match on June 19, 2026, at Grand Prairie Stadium against the Los Angeles Knight Riders. In that encounter, the Unicorns faced a 7-wicket defeat. Other early fixtures have also set the stage for a competitive tournament, with teams vying for early momentum. These initial games have, for some fans, taken a backseat to the intriguing dynamic concerning the selection of star bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Haris Rauf in the playing XI.
The Ravi Ashwin- Haris Rauf Conundrum
Amidst the on-field action, a particular talking point has been the selection choices involving Indian veteran Ravichandran Ashwin and Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf, both key members of the San Francisco Unicorns squad for MLC 2026. Reports suggest that in an early season match against the Texas Super Kings, Haris Rauf was notably absent from the playing XI while Ravichandran Ashwin featured, fueling fan speculation about their rotation or a strategic reluctance to field them together.
Both Ashwin, who retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, at 38 years old, and Rauf are confirmed members of the Unicorns. Ashwin, born on September 17, 1986, signed with the team for the 2026 season in March, becoming the first Indian international to appear in Major League Cricket. Rauf has been with the franchise since its inaugural edition in 2023. While the Unicorns' official statements highlight both players as integral to their world-class bowling combinations for matches like the upcoming fixture against Washington Freedom, individual match selections will continue to draw keen observation from fans and pundits alike. Where to Watch Major League Cricket 2026 Live Streaming Online and Telecast Channel in India.
MLC 2026 Season Overview
The fourth season of Major League Cricket, officially known as the Cognizant Major League Cricket 2026, commenced on June 18, 2026, and is scheduled to run until July 18, 2026. A total of 34 matches will be played across three venues: Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, Oakland Coliseum, and the Knight Riders Cricket Field in Pomona, California. The league features six teams, each playing a double round-robin format before the playoffs.
As the MLC 2026 season progresses, the San Francisco Unicorns will look to build on their early performances, while selection decisions, particularly concerning their star international bowlers, will undoubtedly remain a subject of discussion among cricket enthusiasts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
