(Imran Sohail)
Haris Rauf Retained by San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2026 Season
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf will continue representing the San Francisco Unicorns in the 2026 season of Major League Cricket (MLC), extending his association with the franchise.
The Unicorns confirmed Rauf among their retained international players following the conclusion of the league’s retention window in March 2026. The right-arm pacer has been with the team since the inaugural MLC season in 2023 and remains an important part of the squad.
Rauf delivered a strong performance during the previous MLC season, claiming 17 wickets in eight matches. He finished among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers and played a key role in the Unicorns’ bowling attack.
Across three MLC seasons, the Pakistan international has taken 28 wickets in 22 appearances, maintaining a bowling average of 25.64. His consistent performances have made him one of the franchise’s notable overseas players.
The San Francisco Unicorns squad for the upcoming season includes captain Matt Short, Finn Allen, Ravi Ashwin, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Hammad Azam, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Ollie Peake, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Zia-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ilyas, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Haris Rauf.
The fourth edition of Major League Cricket is scheduled to begin on June 18, 2026. San Francisco Unicorns will start their campaign against Los Angeles Knight Riders on June 19 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
The franchise is still aiming to secure its first MLC championship. The Unicorns finished as runners-up in the 2024 season and also reached the playoffs in 2025.
With Haris Rauf returning to the squad, San Francisco Unicorns will look to build on previous performances and compete strongly in the upcoming tournament.
