Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: ICC)
The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is about to witness a significant boost as Australian skipper Pat Cummins is set to join the San Francisco Unicorns. The 31-year-old speedster, is no stranger to American soil, having recently participated in the T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.
Cummins’ commitment to the San Francisco Unicorns is substantial, with a four-year deal in place. This move is particularly noteworthy as Cummins has limited experience in overseas T20 leagues, having only played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) previously. The right-arm pacer picked 18 wickets in 16 games at an average of 31.44 and an economy of 9.27 in this edition of the cash-rich league.
His last appearance in Australia’s domestic T20 competition, the Big Bash League, dates back to the 2018-19 season, primarily due to his international commitments.
The timing of Cummins’ arrival couldn’t be better for the Unicorns, who have struggled this season with only one victory in three matches. The pacer’s recent form has been exceptional, including his historic back-to-back hat-tricks in the T20 World Cup 2024.
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His leadership skills were also on display when he guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL final. With an impressive T20 record of 172 wickets in 151 matches at an average of 26.66 and an economy rate of 8.11, Cummins is expected to significantly bolster the Unicorns’ bowling arsenal.
The Australian skipper’s addition to the team also witnesses the departure of West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford, who is unable to continue in the MLC due to a family bereavement. This personnel change is likely to alter the team’s dynamics and strategy in the upcoming matches.
Other teams also have made changes in their squad, with Ottneil Baartman replacing Gerald Coetzee (injury) at Texas Super Kings and Lungi Ngidi coming in for Wayne Parnell (player withdrawal) at Seattle Orcas.