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Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
MLC 2025: San Francisco Unicorns history, top performers, schedule, squad
San Francisco Unicorns reached the final of the 2024 MLC. MLC 2025: The San Francisco Unicorns' journey in Major League Cricket (MLC) has been a tale of resilience and revival. After a disappointing debut in 2023—where they missed out on the playoffs and finished fifth—they bounced back in spectacular fashion in 2024, making a deep run to the final before falling just short of the title. As the 2025 season kicks off on June 12, the Unicorns will be eager to put the heartbreak of last year's final behind them and launch a fresh title charge. They begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against reigning champions Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum in California Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! . PERFORMANCE IN 2023 Matches: 5 Wins: 2 Losses: 3 Tied: 0 No Result: 0 Points: 4 Position: 5th Under the leadership of Aaron Finch, the Unicorns began their MLC campaign with promise, defeating MI New York by 22 runs in their opening match. However, their momentum faltered with a 35-run loss to Seattle Orcas in their second game. They responded with a solid 21-run victory over the LA Knight Riders but were unable to maintain consistency. Consecutive defeats—by 30 runs to Washington Freedom and by 3 wickets to Texas Super Kings—ended their playoff hopes. With just 2 wins from 5 matches, the Unicorns placed fifth in the six-team standings. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar PERFORMANCE IN 2024 Matches: 7 Wins: 5 Losses: 1 Tied: 0 No Result: 1 Points: 11 Position: 2nd A key change ahead of the 2024 season was the appointment of New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson as captain—a move that paid rich dividends. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tecno Pova Curve 5G - 144hz Curve Feels Like No Phone Before TECNO Mobile Buy Now Undo The Unicorns began the season on a high, defeating the LA Knight Riders by 6 wickets. They stumbled in their second match, losing to Texas Super Kings by 7 wickets. Their third fixture, again against LA Knight Riders, was washed out due to rain, earning them a single point. That's when the real turnaround began. The Unicorns went on a four-match winning streak, beating Seattle Orcas by 23 runs, MI New York by 3 runs, and Washington Freedom twice—first by 6 wickets and then by 7 wickets—to storm into the playoffs. In the Qualifier, however, Washington Freedom turned the tables, handing the Unicorns a 9-wicket defeat. But the Unicorns stayed alive by edging out Texas Super Kings by 10 runs in the Eliminator, booking a place in the final. Facing Washington Freedom for the third time in the tournament, the Unicorns fell short when it mattered most. In a one-sided final, they lost by 96 runs and finished as runners-up in a remarkable comeback season. STANDOUT PERFORMERS Finn Allen: Finn Allen emerged as the batting mainstay for the San Francisco Unicorns in the 2024 season. The explosive opener amassed 306 runs in 9 matches at an average of 34.00 and a blistering strike rate of 187.73. He finished as the team's highest run-scorer, with one century and two half-centuries to his name. Allen's dynamic performances at the top were pivotal to the Unicorns' resurgence and run to the final. Hassan Khan: All-rounder Hassan Khan played a crucial role in the Unicorns' turnaround season with his impactful contributions in both departments. He scored 204 runs and was the team's second-highest run-scorer, while also finishing as their leading wicket-taker with 10 dismissals. His consistent all-round performances made him one of the most valuable players in the Unicorns' 2024 campaign. SQUAD IN 2025 Finn Allen, Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sherfane Rutherford, Corey Anderson, Karima Gore, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Tajinder Singh, Jahmar Hamilton, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Brody Couch, Carmi le Roux, Hassan Khan, Liam Plunkett, Haris Rauf, Matt Henry, Abrar Ahmed CAPTAIN: Corey Anderson COACH: Shane Watson SCHEDULE San Francisco Unicorns - MLC 2025 Fixtures vs Washington Freedom – 1st Match Date: June 12 (Thu) Venue: Oakland Coliseum, California Time: June 13, 01:00 AM GMT / 6:30 AM IST / 6:00 PM LOCAL vs Los Angeles Knight Riders – 3rd Match Date: June 14 (Sat) Venue: Oakland Coliseum, California Time: June 15, 09:00 PM GMT / 2:30 AM IST (Jun 16) / 2:00 PM LOCAL vs MI New York – 6th Match Date: June 15 (Sun) Venue: Oakland Coliseum, California Time: June 16, 01:00 AM GMT / 6:30 AM IST / 6:00 PM LOCAL vs Texas Super Kings – 10th Match Date: June 20 (Fri) Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Time: June 21, 12:00 AM GMT / 5:30 AM IST / 7:00 PM LOCAL (Jun 20) vs MI New York – 14th Match Date: June 23 (Mon) Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Time: June 24, 12:00 AM GMT / 5:30 AM IST / 7:00 PM LOCAL (Jun 23) vs Seattle Orcas – 16th Match Date: June 25 (Wed) Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Time: June 26, 12:00 AM GMT / 5:30 AM IST / 7:00 PM LOCAL (Jun 25) vs Washington Freedom – 19th Match Date: June 28 (Sat) Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Time: June 29, 08:00 PM GMT / 1:30 AM IST (Jun 30) / 3:00 PM LOCAL vs Seattle Orcas – 22nd Match Date: July 1 (Tue) Venue: Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida Time: July 2, 11:00 PM GMT / 4:30 AM IST (Jul 3) / 7:00 PM LOCAL vs Texas Super Kings – 25th Match Date: July 4 (Fri) Venue: Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida Time: July 5, 07:00 PM GMT / 12:30 AM IST (Jul 6) / 3:00 PM LOCAL vs Los Angeles Knight Riders – 30th Match Date: July 6 (Sun) vs Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida Time: July 7, 11:00 PM GMT / 4:30 AM IST (Jul 8) / 7:00 PM LOCAL
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
MLC's U.S. Debut and the IPL Blueprint for Success
Cricket, referred to as a religion in countries like India, for decades has been struggling to get firm footing in the United States. With a multicultural population and conventional sporting infrastructure existing for football, basketball, and baseball, cricket has remained on the sidelines for decades. That picture is slowly changing. The launch of Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2023 was a turning point — not just as another domestic league but as a genuine attempt to place cricket into the US sporting ecosystem. MLC has taken its baby steps, backed by large investments and growing international interest. Yet, to move from niche league to global phenomenon, MLC should follow in the footsteps of its much more successful counterpart, the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Humble Beginnings of MLC MLC officially started in July 2023 with six franchises, the Texas Super Kings, Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, Seattle Orcas, San Francisco Unicorns, and Washington Freedom. The USA Cricket-supported league, sponsored by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), was launched to grow T20 cricket in the US through a professional domestic league. The crowning jewel of MLC's opening days was its ambitious players' draft, during which both foreign stars and talented domestic players were scooped up. Kieron Pollard, Aaron Finch, and Sunil Narine gave the league international credibility. More importantly, the tournament offered a stage for young American cricketers to gain visibility and experience, just as the IPL has done for Indian talent. However, MLC is still a small fish in a big pond. Cricket popularity in the US is largely confined to immigrant communities, and wide mainstream acceptance is lacking. The league must also deal with limited infrastructure, media attention, and competition from American sports giants. But there is optimism. Part of that optimism lies in following the blueprint for the success of the IPL. For in-depth coverage, expert analysis, and the latest updates on Major League Cricket and other developments in the sports betting world, go to . IPL: A Blueprint of Success The Indian Premier League, launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, transformed how cricket was consumed and commercialized. IPL was not the inaugural T20 league, yet it was the first to blend sport and entertainment so effectively on such a grand scale. It became one of the richest sports leagues in the world within a few years' time. India already has a gigantic fanbase, good domestic circuits like the Ranji Trophy, and a cricket-obsessed culture. It was fertile ground for the IPL to germinate instantly. Bollywood stars, business tycoons, and cricket legends owned teams, and a bit of glamour was added to it, drawing in non-cricket fans. The BCCI's savvy handling of media rights turned the IPL into a financial juggernaut. Lucrative TV deals brought in billions, with digital rights now playing an increasingly important role. Young players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ruturaj Gaikwad used the IPL as a springboard to international cricket. The league attracted the world's best players, raising the competitive standard and making each match globally relevant. What MLC Can Learn from the IPL While the MLC cannot just copy and paste the IPL's model due to differences in contexts, there are several important things it can learn and strategically implement. IPL's success also has a lot to do with India's strong domestic cricket setup. MLC must invest in youth academies, school-level tournaments, and college cricket in order to build a long-term talent pool. The league is important, but the broader goal must be to build a more robust cricket ecosystem at every level in the US. IPL exists due to regional loyalty. Franchises are tied to places, and supporters develop emotional connections to their franchises. MLC must replicate this by emphasising city-based fan engagement and community work. Through free clinics, school visits, and local tournaments, this loyalty can be built. Since there are over 4 million Indian-Americans in the US, MLC has an inbuilt cricket-following crowd. Engaging with this community through cultural festivals, Indian food, music, and Bollywood entertainment incorporation on match days can help recreate the carnival-like atmosphere of IPL games. One of IPL's biggest successes has been the commercialization of broadcast rights. MLC needs to seek negotiations with both streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters for long-term contracts, along with having its presence on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Extensive availability of highlights, player stories, and behind-the-scenes content can generate hype. Like the IPL, MLC must continue to attract international cricket stars. The likes of Andre Russell, Faf du Plessis, and Rashid Khan give the league credibility. Yet it also needs to work on developing homegrown stars that can be the face of American cricket — players who resonate with the fans not just on talent, but personality. That said, the timing is right. The US was set to co-host the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and cricket is set to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics . These events can serve as catalysts to push MLC and the sport further into the American mainstream. IPL was not an overnight success. It took vision, investment, cultural appropriateness, and pushy marketing. MLC is still in its early stages but has made some headway. With a strategy — grounded in local growth and international knowledge — Major League Cricket can carve out its own niche in the United States sports landscape.
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Business Standard
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
IPL 2025: Experts reflect on Kohli's legacy, KKR's exit, and MI's comeback
Sanjay Bangar opened up about his personal reaction to Kohli stepping away from Test cricket. During an exclusive segment on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, expert panellists including Aaron Finch, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Sanjay Bangar shared their thoughts on the defining moments and key narratives of IPL 2025. Aaron Finch on KKR's Downfall Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch did not mince words about Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) exit from the tournament. He highlighted the under-utilisation of Andre Russell, saying: Manjrekar on Fans' Tribute to Virat Kohli Reflecting on the fanfare during the RCB-KKR match, Sanjay Manjrekar praised supporters for honoring Virat Kohli in a unique way: "Seeing fans show up in whites at an IPL game to honour Virat's contribution to Test cricket was incredibly moving. For half a decade, he made the longest format thrilling again. His passion gave Test cricket a heartbeat when it was fading. His legacy as a red-ball leader is unmatched." Bangar on Kohli's Retirement from Tests Sanjay Bangar opened up about his personal reaction to Kohli stepping away from Test cricket: "It was an emotional moment for me. I felt he still had more to give, but Virat was resolute. He believed it was time. He left on his terms, and that's something rare. In India, we often struggle with letting go, but he chose the perfect exit – while people still wanted more." Patidar's Captaincy & Growth Commenting on Rajat Patidar's dual role as batter and captain, Bangar said: "In T20s, opportunities vary. If the top order fires, others get fewer chances. But Rajat hasn't let that affect his confidence. He's led admirably and made valuable contributions when he's had time at the crease. A few low scores are natural in this format." Finch on Shreyas Iyer's Switch to Punjab Kings Aaron Finch applauded Shreyas Iyer's smooth transition from KKR to Punjab Kings: "Switching from a championship team to a new environment isn't easy, but Shreyas has shown remarkable adaptability. He's led with maturity, and his performances, especially in away games, have stood out. He's been a huge asset for Punjab." Manjrekar on Mumbai Indians' Late Surge Assessing Mumbai Indians' return to form, Manjrekar praised their structure and player management: "Even with some overseas absences looming, MI have built momentum. They've slotted players into roles that suit them. Suryakumar Yadav is in outstanding form. Combine that with seasoned finishers like Hardik Pandya, Bumrah, and Rohit—even with his struggles—you see why they're always a threat. Like CSK used to have big-game players step up, MI have their own clutch performers."
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
IPL 2025: Finch lauds 'versatile' Shreyas Iyer as 'terrific young leader'
New Delhi: Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch has praised Shreyas Iyer's leadership and performance since moving to Punjab Kings, calling him a terrific young leader for carrying leadership success from one franchise to a completely different setup. Iyer, the IPL 2024 winning captain for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was acquired by PBKS in last year's mega auction for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore. So far, PBKS' move to break their bank for Iyer has paid off – the right-handed batter has amassed 405 runs in 11 games at an average of 50.63, including hitting four fifties. "He's been fantastic – just as he was at KKR. Shreyas is a terrific young leader. Leaving a title-winning side would have hurt, but to carry forward that leadership success into a completely different setup shows his versatility. It's a new team, a new coach, yet he's adapted brilliantly. His batting, especially away from home, has been top-notch. Overall, he's been excellent for the Kings – both as a leader and a player," Finch said on JioHotstar. As a captain, and having Ricky Ponting in the dugout as their head coach, Iyer has been astute and proactive in his leadership, resulting in PBKS being on 15 points in third place in the points table. The side needs two wins out of their three remaining games to seal a spot in the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 IPL. Iyer and coach Ponting had worked together at Delhi Capitals previously, where they managed to enter the playoffs in the 2019 season, before becoming runners-up in the 2020 edition. Now reunited at the PBKS set-up, the Iyer-Ponting partnership has resurrected the side's fortunes in such a brilliant fashion that they are now on the verge of entering the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. Meanwhile, IPL 2025 resumed after a week-long break with a washout as the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned, without a ball being bowled, due to persistent rain. Both teams were awarded one point each and RCB moved atop the points table with 17 points from 12 games and closer to a confirmed berth in the playoffs, while KKR with 12 points from 13 games have been knocked out of contention. Former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar offered a balanced analysis of Rajat Patidar's impact as a captain and a batter this season, saying, "Sometimes it's just about the number of balls you get to face. If the top order is doing well, your chances are limited. Also, being surrounded by top performers means you shouldn't read too much into three or four failures. "Rajat has embraced responsibility really well. His captaincy has been spot on. He started the season strong with the bat and continues to impress whenever he's spent time at the crease. In T20s, you're bound to miss out a few times – it's just the nature of the format."
News18
18-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Aaron Finch Blames KKR for Their Own Elimination: 'Just Didn't Click...'
Published By : IANS Last Updated: Aaron Finch blamed Kolkata Knight Riders for their elimination after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was washed out. KKR needed wins but lacked consistency. As defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were knocked out of contention for a playoff berth after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was washed out, former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch said that the team only got themselves to blame for their elimination. Saturday's match was a must-win game for KKR as they needef to win both of their remaining games to reach 15 points and hope for a series of favourable results in other matches, along with a substantial improvement in their net run rate. After a washout, with only a solitary point the three-time champions now have 12 points from 13 games. 'It didn't start well for them. Andre Russell, being the match-winner that he is and has been for such a long time, was batting too far down the order for much of the tournament. He simply wasn't given the opportunities to influence games the way he can. They've only got themselves to blame," Finch said on JioHotstar. advetisement Finch opined that KKR kicked themselves out after their two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings on May 7. In that match, Batting first, KKR posted 179 for 6, which looked enough on a tacky surface, but CSK dug deep to pick up two points in a season already lost to them, while KKR saw their top-four ambitions taking a dent. 'They almost kicked themselves after that last game against CSK – it was theirs to win. The match was almost wrapped up, and they still couldn't cross the line, which turned out to be an incredible win for Chennai. Throughout the season, there were too many moments where KKR just didn't click," Finch added. While KKR are out of playoffs race after the washout, RCB now go top of the table having collected one point that takes their tally to 17 from 12 games. KKR will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league fixture on May 25. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - IANS) Watch CNN-News18 here. Stay updated with all the latest news on IPL 2025, including the schedule, Points Table, IPL Orange Cap, and IPL Purple Cap. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
