Tim Seifert Joins San Francisco Unicorns for MLC Debut

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batter, Tim Seifert, is poised to enter Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, having inked a deal with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2025 season.

The 30-year-old will link up again with Finn Allen, his opening partner from New Zealand, and Corey Anderson, a former teammate from Northern Districts, who led the Unicorns to a second-place result in MLC 2024.

While neither Seifert nor Allen currently have central contracts with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), both have pledged their availability for all of New Zealand’s T20I series leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The pair recently rejoined New Zealand’s T20I squad for the home series against Pakistan, where their dynamic opening partnerships earned them the title “New Zealand’s Bash Brothers.”

Seifert commented, “I’ve been watching MLC from afar over the past couple of seasons, especially keeping a close watch on some of the Kiwi players.”
He further stated, “I’m eager to get started this summer and contribute some more power to a team that is already full of talent and in a strong position to go even further than last year.”

Unicorns head coach Shane Watson expressed his pleasure at the addition of Seifert, commending his cricketing abilities and character.

Shane Watson stated, “When bringing players into the Unicorns family, we look for both high-quality cricketers and individuals, and Tim certainly meets both criteria. His skills behind the stumps will also be a major benefit this year, especially with the new pitches in Oakland and Fort Lauderdale presenting a bit of an unknown for spin bowling. He’s also entering with excellent form with the bat, adding to an already powerful top order alongside Finn [Allen], Shorty [Matt Short], and Jake [Fraser-McGurk].”

Both Seifert and Allen are currently participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In related news, various other New Zealand players have also been highly sought after by MLC franchises.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell, an important member of New Zealand’s recent Champions Trophy campaign, has been signed by MI New York (MINY). He will team up with fellow Kiwi Trent Boult, who represents the MI franchise in MLC, SA20 (MI Cape Town), and IPL (Mumbai Indians).

Daryl Mitchell, who was unable to play in the 2024 MLC season with Texas Super Kings (TSK) due to an injury, has re-signed with the franchise for 2025. During his absence, TSK brought in Afghan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, who has now been retained alongside Devon Conway.

Speedster Adam Milne will also be joining TSK, having previously played for Washington Freedom in the inaugural MLC 2023 season. Milne has collaborated with TSK head coach Stephen Fleming during his time at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

TSK has further reinforced its squad by signing South African players Nandre Burger and Donovan Ferreira, both of whom play for Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in SA20.

In another significant development, former New Zealand star Ross Taylor has been named Seattle Orcas’ ambassador for MLC 2025. Taylor previously served as the Orcas’ batting coach during the tournament’s initial two seasons. Former England batter Ian Bell will now assume that role.

New Zealand Cricket recently became the first national board to invest directly in an overseas T20 league, forming a partnership with MLC to introduce a new franchise when the competition expands in 2027.

The 2025 edition of Major League Cricket will take place from June 13 to July 14, with Oakland Coliseum scheduled to host matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.