San Francisco Unicorns have made an exciting addition to their roster for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament, as they have signed Pakistan’s talented pacer, Haris Rauf, and dynamic all-rounder, Shadab Khan. This move holds historical significance for Rauf, who becomes the first Pakistani cricketer to secure a spot as an overseas pick in the MLC, while Shadab joins as the second.
The MLC, set to kick off from July 13 to July 30 in Dallas, promises to showcase the cricketing prowess of six teams. Rauf’s inclusion in the San Francisco Unicorns’ lineup stems from his availability during the league period. As he is not part of the Pakistan Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour overlapping with MLC, both Haris and Shadab are expected to wholeheartedly commit to the tournament, subject to a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
This development comes on the heels of last month’s reports, unveiling Imad Wasim and Azam Khan as potential recruits for the Seattle Orcas in the MLC, further emphasizing the league’s appeal.
While the PCB has responded positively to the MLC’s request to include Pakistani players, they have stipulated a condition for their participation. The PCB has requested the MLC management to pay a fee of $25,000 for each player’s involvement in the league.
The tournament has already garnered attention due to its ability to attract renowned players from various cricket-playing nations, amplifying the anticipation and excitement surrounding its inaugural season.
In a separate development, Jason Roy has taken the bold step of relinquishing his incremental contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to partake in the inaugural edition of the United States’ new Twenty20 tournament, further underlining the allure of the MLC.
With the addition of Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, the San Francisco Unicorns are fortifying their squad with formidable talent and are poised to make a significant impact in the MLC. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the commencement of the tournament, as it promises to showcase thrilling cricketing action and unite players from diverse cricketing backgrounds.
