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STUMP VISION JULY 04, 2025 | The Indian Eye 43

From Code to Cricket: San Francisco Unicorns

are debugging the MLC 2025 with Fire and Flair!

The San Francisco Unicorns aren’t just playing cricket — they’re building a future-ready

talent engine. Their model focuses on uncovering and developing rare gems

ARCHAN MEHTA

San Jose, CA
f someone had told me a few years ago I’d be
comparing a cricket team to a startup, I’d have
Iassumed they’d been hit by a rogue bouncer.
But that’s exactly the kind of revolutionary mind-
set driving the San Francisco Unicorns — the 2024
MLC runners-up who have launched into the 2025
season as the league’s most dynamic force. Co-
owned by Silicon Valley trailblazers Anand Raja-
raman and Venky Harinarayan, the Unicorns are The ownership sees MLC as a long-term vision, powered by a growing American fanbase
building their franchise the same way they’ve built and the league’s increasing ability to attract elite talent
tech empires — using insights, logic, and a relent-
less eye for spotting the next big thing. further strengthened their administration opera- fully embraced the analytics-driven environment.
The San Francisco Unicorns aren’t just playing tions, fast-tracking player development through Meanwhile, captain Corey Anderson has led from
cricket — they’re building a future-ready talent en- elite coaching and training infrastructure. Young the front, and even Pat Cummins’ presence from
gine. Their model focuses on uncovering and de- domestic talents like Krishnamurthy are already the sidelines has uplifted the squad morale.
veloping rare gems — the “unicorns” of tomorrow showing the benefits. Their performances have matched the hype.
— through a system rooted in data, logic, and long- On the field, the Unicorns have delivered The Unicorns began with a record-breaking 123-
term thinking. Already unbeaten at home during jaw-dropping performances. Finn Allen set the run win over Washington Freedom. That was fol-
the Oakland leg of MLC 2025, their approach is MLC ablaze, notching the first fifty of the season, lowed by a 32-run victory over LA Knight Riders, a
paying off. This isn’t startup lingo for show — it’s followed by the fastest century in league histo- tight 3-wicket win over MI New York, and a clinical
their core operating system. From scouting to strat- ry — a mind-bending 151 off just 50 balls against 7-wicket chase against Texas Super Kings — secur-
egy, every move is calculated and forward-looking. Washington Freedom. He continued that form ing the top position in the standings with 4 out of
While others react, the Unicorns are building a with a stunning 78 in a chase against Texas Super 4 wins.
sustainable cricketing machine. Even their name, Kings. At this rate, the only thing more scared of Looking ahead, the Unicorns are building
once debated, has become iconic. “Unicorns” re- Finn Allen than bowlers is MS Word’s auto-cor- more than a winning season. The ownership sees
flects not just billion-dollar dreams but also indi- rect — it can’t keep up with the sixes per minute! MLC as a long-term vision, powered by a grow-
viduality — a perfect fit for the Bay Area spirit. Fraser-McGurk has made waves with an 88 against ing American fanbase and the league’s increasing
That identity, especially among younger fans, has LA Knight Riders, while Xavier Bartlett surprised ability to attract elite talent. With aspirations for a
forged a bond that goes far beyond the scoreboard everyone not just with a four-wicket haul against permanent Bay Area home and a proactive squad
When it comes to recruitment, the Unicorns LA, but also a clutch fifty against MI New York — strategy the Unicorns are positioning themselves
have struck a perfect balance between rising stars his first in T20s. not just as contenders, but as architects of cricket’s
and proven champions. Their core includes names Haris Rauf has lived up to his reputation, de- future in the U.S.
like Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sanjay livering high-velocity spells like his 3 for 30 against And with this kind of calculated dominance, it’s
Krishnamurthy, Hassan Khan, and Finn Allen — Washington. Matthew Short, fresh off injury and not just a home run — it’s a six that’s landed some-
players on the verge of stardom. Supporting them now the SFUnicorns captain, made a triumphant where in Palo Alto from the Oakland Coliseum.
are global names like Haris Rauf, who bring ex- return with a gritty 61. All this has unfolded under
perience, leadership, and intimidation. A smart the thoughtful guidance of head coach Shane Wat- Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to telling compelling
partnership with Cricket Victoria in Australia has son, who’s instilled a clear mental approach and stories about athletes, teams, and the world of cricket

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