OAKLAND, Calif. – This June will mark the arrival of professional cricket at the Oakland Coliseum, as announced by Bay Area politicians and cricket officials on Wednesday, as part of efforts to revive the stadium that many considered “abandoned.”
Key Highlights:
During a press conference, notable speakers included Major League Cricket CEO Johnny Grave, San Francisco Unicorns co-owner Anand Rajaraman, interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins, Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, and Oakland City Council member Rebecca Kaplan, all expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming June event.
“Cricket ranks as the second most popular sport in the world, with 2.5 billion fans,” said Oakland’s interim Mayor, Kevin Jenkins. “I am confident that Oakland residents and the greater Bay Area will show their support for this event.”
Rajaraman highlighted the significance of the stadium by stating, “This iconic venue is now set to be the only stadium in North America hosting the two most popular sports globally.” He referred to the Oakland Roots bringing soccer to the historic site.
First Match Details
The San Francisco Unicorns, the Bay Area’s first professional cricket team, will kick off their 2025 Major League Cricket season at the Coliseum on June 12 against the Washington Freedom, with additional home games scheduled for June 14 and June 15.
“Previously, we haven’t been able to play in the Bay Area,” Rajaraman remarked. “All Major League matches have taken place in Dallas, Texas, due to stadium availability. This is thrilling as we can finally perform in front of a local audience.”
Ticket Information & Economic Impact
Tickets will go on sale starting March 27, 2025, available on the League’s official website here.
Local leaders anticipate a significant economic upturn from the week-long event. “This will generate jobs at several levels, not only for the players and teams but also producing revenue for the city and county,” noted Kaplan.
Originally, Oracle engineer and USA cricket player Sauraubh Netravalkar was expected to attend the press event, but he was unavailable. He played a key role in helping Team USA achieve victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan – a notable sports surprise. Although he resides in the Bay Area, he competes for the Washington Freedom.
Fans and Future Plans
In a previous conversation, SF Unicorns CEO David White mentioned to KTVU in October 2024 his aspiration to utilize the historic Coliseum after the Oakland A’s departed. Major League Cricket fans have long viewed the Coliseum as an ideal facility, given its requirement for a different field configuration than baseball.
“We are very fortunate that it has now become available,” White told KTVU. “I understand cricket enthusiasts; their passion is evident. The 35-minute drive from Fremont to Oakland won’t deter them.” Many cricket fans in the Bay Area, many of whom have emigrated from other countries, often wake up early to catch games being played thousands of miles away in England, Pakistan, and India.
The Unicorns aim to attract the substantial South Asian demographic in the Bay Area, especially in areas like Fremont and Cupertino, all of whom are avid supporters of this sport, which shares roots with baseball.
“We are optimistic about garnering a solid following from across the Bay Area,” he expressed. “We know people will travel to witness this.” Currently, the Unicorns play in Dallas, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and team members reside globally, only practicing together as tournaments approach.
Founded in 2023, the Unicorns take their name from a unique startup in Silicon Valley. East Bay officials are thrilled to host a major sport at the Coliseum after the Oakland Raiders, Golden State Warriors, and A’s baseball teams have all departed the city. Haubert emphasized that the Coliseum is an “ideal location” and recognized cricket as an “thrilling sport.” “This is merely the beginning,” he remarked.
The Team:
In its second season, the San Francisco Unicorns have signed international cricket sensation Pat Cummins alongside a roster that includes Finn Allen, Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Henry, and 2019 Cricket World Cup champion Liam Plunkett. Under the guidance of U.S. all-rounder and captain Corey Anderson, the team secured a spot in the 2024 Championship final.
Along with the Oakland Coliseum, the 2025 season will occur at Major League Cricket’s primary venue at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. Other teams in Major League Cricket include the Los Angeles Knight Riders, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, Washington (D.C.) Freedom, and MI New York.
