Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett has joined San Francisco Unicorns for the upcoming MLC 2025 in the United States.
Bartlett, who is currently part of IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings, will be joining Australian Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Matt Short at the Unicorns.
Xavier Bartlett made an impressive start in his T20 international career, picking up 11 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 6.84.
He was the leading wicket-taker for Brisbane Heat in the BBL 2023-24 season, which earned him an international debut.
He was awarded a central contract for the last season and has been retained in the CA contract for 2025 season.
Joining the franchise, Xavier Bartlett said,“To play alongside and against some of the best international cricketers around in this year’s MLC, under the tutelage of Shane Watson, is an opportunity too good to turn down.
“The Unicorns is an exciting franchise with a real opportunity of winning the championship this year. I can’t wait to get started, hopefully grabbing some early wickets in what we plan to make an intimidating home fortress at the Oakland Coliseum,” concluded Bartlett.
A big g’day from Xavier 🙌🤩
Our latest Unicorn can’t wait to get going and bring his skills to The Bay 👏#SparkleArmy #GoCorns pic.twitter.com/FCy1SRDUzC
— San Francisco Unicorns (@SFOUnicorns) April 28, 2025
San Francisco Unicorns head coach Shane Watson has praised the signing of Xavier Bartlett’s bowling and his ability to lead the pace attack.
“Xavier has shown his prowess leading the bowling attack for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, and he will be a great addition to the Unicorns bowling line-up with his wicket-taking ability with the new ball,” said Shane Watson.
Shane Watson also noted that Xavier Bartlett’s growth in the Australian Cricket and mature bowling approach.
“Having developed through the national pathways in Australia and onto the international scene, he’s matured into a very clever pace bowler, able to both keep the rate down and break key partnerships,” he added.
The San Francisco United will be playing their first game against Washington Freedom in June 13 at Oakland Coliseum.
