The San Francisco Unicorns franchise acquired the services of two eminent Pakistan cricketers in the form of Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, ahead of the much-anticipated Manor League Cricket (MLC) 2023.
It is worth mentioning that both Rauf and Shadab are likely to be available for the entire season of the marquee event as they are not part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka that clashes with the inaugural MLC.
The news of the addition of the Pakistani duo to the team was made public by the San Francisco Unicorns’ official Twitter handle on Tuesday (June 27). However, Rauf and Shadab are yet to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“Rapid Rauf is heading to the Unicorns. This Pakistani speedster is locked and loaded ahead of #MLC2023 Welcome @HarisRauf14,” San Francisco Unicorns welcomed Rauf.
Rapid Rauf is heading to the Unicorns 💨💨💨
This Pakistani speedster is locked and loaded ahead of #MLC2023 💥💥💥
Welcome @HarisRauf14 🇵🇰#SFOUnicorns #MLC2023 #MajorLeagueCricket pic.twitter.com/XpdAwsETAT
— San Francisco Unicorns (@SFOUnicorns) June 27, 2023
“Whether it’s taking wickets or smashing sixes, this all-rounder from Pakistan is sure to deliver. Welcome @76Shadabkhan,” wrote San Francisco Unicorns for Shadab.
Khan ➡️ The City 🌉
Whether it's taking wickets☝️ or smashing sixes💥, this all-rounder from Pakistan 🇵🇰 is sure to deliver🏏
Welcome @76Shadabkhan 🙌#SFOUnicorns #MLC2023 #MajorLeagueCricket pic.twitter.com/spFPyFcHnS
— San Francisco Unicorns (@SFOUnicorns) June 27, 2023
As per a report by Cricket Pakistan, the PCB has even asked the MLC management to pay them $25,000 for each player’s participation in the event.
Apart from Shadab and Rauf, Marcus Stoinis, Corey Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Matthew Wade and Finn Allen are other notable signings of the San Francisco Unicorns franchise. Meanwhile, former Aussie skipper Aaron Finch has been appointed the team’s leader, with veteran all-rounder Shane Watson given the head coach role. The Finch-led side will start their campaign against MI New York in Texas on July 14.
Speaking of the maiden MLC tournament, the league commences from July 13 and will see the participation of a total of six teams for the coveted trophy, namely Texas Super Kings, Seattle Orcas, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Los Angeles Knight Riders, and Washington Freedom. The summit clash of the event is scheduled on July 30.
