Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has rejoined the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Major League Cricket season. The move extends his successful partnership with the Bay Area franchise. Moreover, the team retained him after the MLC retention window closed on March 22.
Rauf has represented the Unicorns since the tournament’s inaugural season in 2023. He remains one of the franchise’s most dependable overseas players. Consequently, the team will again rely on his pace and experience.
Rauf Builds Impressive MLC Record
Haris Rauf delivered his best MLC campaign during the previous season. He claimed 17 wickets in just eight matches for the Unicorns. Furthermore, he finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker.
Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett finished one wicket ahead despite playing three additional matches. Overall, Rauf has taken 28 wickets in 22 MLC appearances. His bowling average of 25.64 ranks among the franchise’s best overseas records.
The official squad also includes captain Matt Short, Finn Allen, Ravi Ashwin, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, and Aaron Hardie. Hammad Azam, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Ollie Peake, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Zia-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ilyas, and Sanjay Krishnamurthi complete the squad.
Unicorns Target First Major League Cricket Title
The fourth edition of Major League Cricket begins on June 18, 2026. San Francisco Unicorns will face Los Angeles Knight Riders on June 19 in Dallas. The opening fixture will take place at Grand Prairie Stadium.
The Unicorns continue chasing their first MLC championship. They finished runners-up in 2024 after losing the final to Washington Freedom. Additionally, they reached the playoffs in 2025 before MI New York eliminated them.
Rauf’s return strengthens the Unicorns’ pace attack for another title challenge. Therefore, the franchise hopes his experience will help secure its first MLC trophy.
