Big blow for San Francisco Unicorns as star player ruled out of MLC 2025

The San Francisco Unicorns have been dealt a significant blow before the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) playoffs, with star pacer Haris Rauf being out for the rest of the tournament with a Grade 1 hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old pacer developed the injury when the Unicorns won over the Texas Super Kings in their recent match. Rauf was replaced from the game and an MRI test confirmed the strain. The medical staff of the franchise consulted the medical director of the league and subsequently kept him out of the playoffs.

Rauf has been one of the top performers in the tournament this year. He is currently the top wicket-taker in the MLC 2025 with 17 wickets from eight games, taking several match-winning spells for the Unicorns. His loss is a major setback as the team heads into the business end of the tournament.

Confirming the news on social media, the Unicorns tweeted: “We’re with you, Haris. The San Francisco Unicorns can confirm Haris Rauf will miss the remainder of #MLC2025 with a hamstring injury, with New Zealand pace bowler Ben Lister to replace him, effective immediately.”

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] ENG vs IND: Fan singing tribute song for Akash Deep outside Edgbaston Test

Ben Lister Replaces Injured Rauf as Unicorns Eye Playoff Berth

The franchise has appointed Ben Lister as a replacement for Rauf for the rest of the tournament. Lister, a 29-year-old left-arm New Zealand pacer, has the much-needed international experience, having represented his country in 12 T20Is. Lister is renowned for his control of the new ball and death-over variations. He has been with the team for the last fortnight training with the team and is match-fit.

The timing of the injury is concerning for Pakistan supporters too, since Rauf is also set to miss the T20I series against Bangladesh, from July 20 in Dhaka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has still not made an official announcement regarding his rehabilitation schedule.

The Unicorns will face the LA Knight Riders in their last league-stage encounter on July 6 at Broward County Stadium. They will gain a top-two standing and a direct qualification to the Qualifier with a victory. But now, they have to tackle that challenge without their leading wicket-taker.