San Francisco Unicorns Harness AI to Revolutionize T20 Cricket in the USA with Major League Cricket
In the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation is a way of life, the San Francisco Unicorns are redefining how cricket is played and perceived in the United States. As a franchise in the burgeoning Major League Cricket (MLC), the Unicorns are betting big on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science to carve a niche in the competitive world of T20 cricket. Founded by tech moguls Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan—masterminds behind ventures like Junglee and Kosmix, acquired by Amazon and Walmart respectively—this team is blending startup principles with sporting ambition to create something truly groundbreaking.
The duo, who bonded over cricket during their college days in the US, have nurtured a lifelong passion for the game. Venky, a San Francisco resident, recalls relying on newspaper clippings sent by his father to stay updated on cricket scores in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Today, they are at the helm of a franchise that is not just playing cricket but shaping its future in America. ‘We’ve built this franchise from first principles, much like a startup. In today’s world, ignoring data and AI would be a critical misstep,’ Venky told TimesofIndia.com. ‘We’re pushing boundaries on how these technologies can transform cricket.’
At the core of their strategy lies a meticulous application of AI in areas such as squad construction, auction tactics, domestic draft picks, and in-game strategies. One notable outcome of this data-driven approach was the signing of Australian prodigy Jake Fraser-McGurk for the 2024 MLC season. Despite a modest tally of 81 runs in seven matches, the Unicorns remain optimistic about their AI-guided decisions. ‘With AI, you can dive deeper into specifics. For instance, if bowler X faces batter Y, AI can analyze past performances to suggest the ideal line, length, and strategy,’ Venky explained. ‘It’s the next frontier beyond basic data analysis, opening up entirely new ways to play the game.’
The Unicorns’ journey has been one of rapid evolution. After a learning curve in their debut season, they finished as runners-up in 2024, narrowly losing to Washington Freedom in the final at Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas. This achievement is monumental, especially when pitted against franchises backed by IPL giants like MI New York, Texas Super Kings, LA Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas. These teams draw on decades of T20 expertise from their owners, making the Unicorns’ progress even more commendable. Venky relishes the challenge: ‘Competing against the best is what drives us. We’re the new kids on the block, and we embrace that startup mentality. Just like in business, you don’t shy away from giants—you innovate to stand out.’
Part of their innovation includes a strategic partnership with Cricket Victoria, ensuring operational efficiency and talent development. Reflecting on early challenges, Venky humorously recalls their unpreparedness in the first season: ‘We arrived at stadiums seeing IPL-backed teams with flags and giveaways, while we were scrambling to print hats at a local shop. It was a wake-up call!’
Beyond on-field success, the Unicorns and MLC face a larger mission: growing cricket in the USA. The league has shown promising growth, with match numbers rising from 19 in the inaugural season to 34 in the upcoming 2025 edition. Venues have also expanded from two—Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas, and Church Street Park, North Carolina—to three, adding Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, and Oakland Coliseum, California. Yet, the challenge of building a fanbase in a country dominated by sports like baseball, basketball, and American football remains daunting.
‘We’re realistic—this won’t happen overnight,’ Venky admits. ‘It’s a long-term commitment. Cricket’s T20 format, with its fast-paced, high-energy gameplay, aligns perfectly with American viewing habits. But there’s an education gap. Many here still think of cricket as a slow, multi-day affair with tea breaks. Once they experience T20, they’re hooked—we just need to get them to that first match.’ He points to growing interest, especially in areas like the Bay Area, where local academies boast over 300 young players, including second-generation immigrants and children from non-cricketing backgrounds.
The strategy is clear: solidify cricket’s roots within passionate diaspora communities before expanding to broader audiences. Venky draws parallels with soccer’s slow but eventual rise in the US through Major League Soccer (MLS). ‘American sports are deeply ingrained, so carving out space for cricket isn’t easy. But with encouraging signs from our first seasons and raw talent to work with, we’re committed to investing and pushing forward,’ he asserts.
As the 2025 MLC season looms, the San Francisco Unicorns are gearing up to face Washington Freedom in their opener on June 12 at Oakland Coliseum. With 30 league-stage matches leading to knockouts in Texas, and the final set for July 13, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter. The Unicorns, armed with AI insights and a startup’s hunger, are not just playing to win—they’re playing to change how cricket is seen and played in the land of opportunity.
In a country where innovation drives progress, the San Francisco Unicorns stand as a beacon of what’s possible when technology meets tradition. Will their AI-powered vision propel T20 cricket to new heights in the USA? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: they’re batting on a pitch of endless potential.