Cooper Connolly Signs with San Francisco Unicorns for MLC 2025 Amid World Cup Aspirations

Australia’s rising allrounder Cooper Connolly has signed with the San Francisco Unicorns for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC), marking his first stint in an overseas T20 franchise league. The 21-year-old left-handed batter and left-arm spinner continues his push for a spot in Australia’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Connolly, who has already donned the Australian colors across all formats, is unlikely to be part of the Test squad for the upcoming tour of the West Indies — which overlaps with the MLC. However, the five-match T20I series that follows could present a timely opportunity for him to further press his case for World Cup selection.

From BBL Breakout to Global Opportunity

Connolly first burst onto the scene during the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL), where he played a pivotal role in Perth Scorchers’ title triumph. His performances since then have only strengthened his reputation, culminating in a standout 2024-25 BBL season where he scored 351 runs at an average of 50.14 and a strike rate of 131.46. His efforts earned him the joint Player of the Tournament award alongside Glenn Maxwell.

His inclusion in the Unicorns squad reunites him with former Australia allrounder Shane Watson, who now coaches the MLC side. Watson praised Connolly’s maturity and versatility, stating, “Cooper’s all-round ability is going to be a key asset for the Unicorns this summer. Although he’s young, he’s shown maturity and adaptability beyond his age; not many players have international experience across both white-ball formats and earned a baggy green at 21.”

International Form and World Cup Hopes

Connolly made his T20I debut against Scotland last year but was limited to just one more appearance due to a thumb injury that ruled him out of the Pakistan series at home. He returned strongly in domestic cricket and continues to be viewed as a potential option for Australia’s T20 squad, especially with selectors keen to have a left-arm spin option.

He was a surprise pick to open the batting during the Champions Trophy semi-final against India last month, stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Matt Short. While he failed to fire with the bat (0 off 9 balls), he made an impact with the ball, dismissing Rohit Sharma and nearly removing Virat Kohli — had it not been for a dropped catch by Maxwell.

MLC Continues to Attract Australian Talent

Connolly will join fellow Australians Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk at the Unicorns this season. The league has become an attractive offseason destination for Australian players, especially those outside the Test setup.

Last season’s MLC final saw the Washington Freedom, captained by Steven Smith, defeat a Unicorns side featuring Pat Cummins. This year, the Test series in the Caribbean is likely to affect player availability once again, but Connolly appears firmly focused on seizing his MLC opportunity.

With T20 cricket offering an increasingly vital pathway to national selection, Connolly’s MLC stint could be a significant chapter in his budding international career.