Ashwin ruled out of remainder of MLC 2026 with knee injury

Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) season after suffering a right knee injury, the San Francisco Unicorns confirmed on Thursday (July 9). Veteran Australian seamer Peter Siddle has been approved as his replacement for the rest of the tournament.

Ashwin's recovery timeline will also be closely watched ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), scheduled to begin in late August, where he is set to take on the dual role of captain and mentor for the Dublin Guardians, the Rahul Dravid-owned franchise.

Ashwin played only one game in the 2026 MLC, bowling two wicketless overs in which he conceded 24 runs against Texas Super Kings. Earlier, Ashwin was anticipated to feature in his maiden BBL stint, with Sydney Thunder, but that did not materialise due to the knee injury for which he had to undergo 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," Ashwin said.

Graham Manou, the Unicorns' General Manager of Cricket Performance, said Ashwin's absence would be felt 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," Manou said.

Co-owner Anand Rajaraman added: "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."

Siddle, who had already featured for the Unicorns as injury cover for Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie, will now remain with the squad for the rest of the campaign. The 41-year-old former Australia fast bowler has claimed 221 wickets in 67 Tests.

The Unicorns are currently at the top of the points table with 10 points, having won five out of eight games. Their next two matches are against Los Angeles Knight Riders and Seattle Orcas.