Just when we thought Major League Cricket (MLC) couldn’t get more exciting, a rising Aussie star makes a bold move. Cooper Connolly, a young cricketer bursting with talent and leadership potential, has officially signed with the San Francisco Unicorns. And guess what? He’s not just looking to win in the U.S. — he’s got his eyes set on a spot in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup in 2026.
Who Is Cooper Connolly?
If you haven’t heard the name yet, you will soon enough. Connolly is quickly becoming one of Australia’s brightest young cricket talents. At just 21 years old, he’s already achieved things many seasoned players only dream of:
- Captain of Australia’s Under-19 team in the 2022 World Cup
- Key player for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL)
- Known for his aggressive left-handed batting and useful left-arm spin
And now, adding “MLC franchise player” to his growing list of achievements, Cooper Connolly is set to make waves stateside.
Why the Move to San Francisco Unicorns Matters
The MLC is still in its early days, but it’s already attracting global attention. By bringing in young and rising stars like Connolly, the league is signaling a serious intent to become a top-tier T20 competition.
For Connolly, the decision to join the San Francisco Unicorns isn’t just about gaining international experience — it’s also a strategic step towards making Australia’s T20 World Cup squad.
Let’s break it down:
- More Playing Time: MLC gives him a chance to play consistently in a competitive environment.
- Match Fitness: With the World Cup just around the corner, staying sharp and match-ready is crucial.
- Broader Exposure: Performing well on the MLC platform could capture the attention of Australian selectors.
And it’s not just any team he’s joining—the San Francisco Unicorns are building a solid squad, with an eye for emerging talent and experienced heads to balance it out.
From Big Bash Hero to International Aspirant
You might remember Cooper’s breakout moment for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL 2023. He returned to have an impressive 2024-25 BBL where he scored 351 runs at 50.14 with a strike-rate of 131.46.
Moments like that don’t go unnoticed. He showcased that he has the temperament, game awareness, and nerves of steel required at the international level.
Comparison to Michael Hussey
If you’re wondering just how high Connolly’s potential goes, here’s something to chew on: His leadership style and game sense have drawn comparisons to Michael Hussey, one of Australia’s all-time calmest and smartest cricketers. That’s high praise indeed!
Eyes on the Prize: The T20 World Cup
Let’s be honest—getting into Australia’s T20 squad isn’t a walk in the park. The competition is fierce.
But Connolly isn’t just in it for a spot on the bench. He’s aiming to play a role in the World Cup. That’s where the MLC opportunity becomes massive. With the tournament starting in June 2024, players now have just a few months to prove they’re up to the task.
Australia’s selectors have a reputation for favoring experience, but they’re not immune to fresh talent delivering consistent performances in high-pressure games.
If Connolly can light up the American pitches the way he did in the BBL, he’ll be hard to ignore.
MLC Turns Heads in Global Cricket
Your first thought might be, “Cricket in the U.S.? Really?” But yes, really. And it’s growing fast.
With teams like the San Francisco Unicorns, LA Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas on the roster, MLC is already attracting big names from around the cricketing world.
For young players like Connolly, it’s the perfect testing ground:
- High-quality opposition
- Diverse playing conditions
- Media spotlight
It’s also a sign that U.S.-based cricket could become one of the sport’s next big frontiers—and Cooper is getting in early.
What This Means for Australian Cricket
Australia is known for building world-class cricket teams, but even they need fresh faces to keep the engine running. With several players nearing the end of their careers, the timing could be perfect for someone like Cooper Connolly to break through.
And he’s not just a batsman. His left-arm spin adds an extra dimension to his game, offering selectors a versatile option who can deliver in multiple areas of the field.
So, What’s Next for Connolly?
Well, first, he needs to perform well in the MLC. There’s no shortcut to international cricket—consistency is key. But all signs point to Connolly using this opportunity to do just that.
He’ll join a Unicorns team that includes both seasoned professionals and younger prospects. That balance will be crucial in driving his development further and helping the team mount a strong challenge this season.
Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making?
It’s an exciting time for Cooper Connolly. His move to the San Francisco Unicorns might be the key that unlocks an international career with the Australian team. With the T20 World Cup just months away, every game becomes an audition, and Connolly is ready for the spotlight.
Will he be wearing the green and gold come June? Only time will tell—but the path he’s paving is certainly heading in that direction.
And who knows? Maybe one day people will say, “Remember when Cooper started in the MLC with the Unicorns?” because greatness often has humble beginnings.