(PTI Photo)
Pat Cummins is gearing up for another stint in the USA. The Australian pace sensation, last seen in action during the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, is joining the San Francisco Unicorns midway through the current Major League Cricket season.
Cummins signed a lucrative four-year deal with the franchise, marking a significant move for the 31-year-old who has predominantly featured in the IPL and other international T20 leagues, sidelining himself from Australia’s Big Bash League since the 2018–19 season due to his national team commitments.
San Francisco Unicorns, who have only managed one victory in three games this season, eagerly await Cummins’ arrival. His recent exploits include back-to-back hat-tricks at the T20 World Cup and leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to an IPL final appearance. Cummins boasts an impressive record of 172 wickets in 151 T20 matches, with an average of 26.66 and an economy rate of 8.11.
Cummins’ arrival coincides with the departure of Sherfane Rutherford, the dynamic West Indies all-rounder who has yet to make an appearance for the Unicorns this season due to a family bereavement.
In other Major League Cricket updates, Ottneil Baartman has been drafted in to replace Gerald Coetzee, who is recovering from injury at Texas Super Kings. Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi steps in for Wayne Parnell, who has withdrawn from the Seattle Orcas’ squad.
Baartman, recognized for his deceptive variations and skill in bowling during the death overs, encountered visa delays that sidelined him from participating in the T20 Blast in England recently. Nonetheless, he brings a formidable record of 107 wickets from 76 T20 appearances, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the field.
Meanwhile, Ngidi faced a setback earlier this year with a back injury that ruled him out of the IPL. However, he successfully recuperated in time to represent South Africa in the T20 World Cup, where he was a crucial member alongside Baartman in the squad.
