Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler, will join the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC) halfway through the season. Cummins, last seen in action during the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, signed a significant four-year deal with the franchise. His arrival comes as the Unicorns, who have won just one of their three games this year, look to boost their performance.
Cummins, known for his stellar performances, recently made headlines with back-to-back hat-tricks at the T20 World Cup and previously led Sunrisers Hyderabad to an IPL final. Despite his international commitments, Cummins has played 151 T20 matches, claiming 172 wickets with an average of 26.66 and an economy rate of 8.11. His addition is expected to strengthen the Unicorns’ bowling lineup significantly.
Meanwhile, the Unicorns bid farewell to Sherfane Rutherford due to a family bereavement, further underscoring the need for Cummins’ arrival. Across the league, there have been other changes, including Ottneil Baartman replacing Gerald Coetzee at Texas Super Kings due to injury, and Lungi Ngidi taking over from Wayne Parnell at Seattle Orcas after Parnell’s withdrawal.
Baartman, recognized for his variations and death-bowling skills, has 107 T20 wickets from 76 matches. He was unable to participate in the ongoing T20 Blast in England due to visa delays, creating an opportunity for his stint in the MLC. Ngidi, who recovered from a back injury earlier in the year, featured in South Africa‘s squad at the T20 World Cup, highlighting his return to competitive cricket.
Cummins’ move to the USA marks a notable shift in his career, stepping into a new league environment after primarily featuring in the IPL among overseas T20 competitions. His impact with the Unicorns could prove pivotal as they strive for success in the ongoing MLC season.
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