South African wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton He is all set to extend his global T20 journey as he prepares to join MI New York for the 2026 season of Major League Cricket (MLC). The move comes at a time when the 29-year-old is already enjoying great form, especially with Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026.
This signing is a big boost for MI New York, a franchise that has established itself as one of the strongest sides in the league. With ambitions of winning a third title in four seasons, the addition of Rickelton adds more firepower to an already strong squad.
The inclusion of Rickelton also strengthens the growing relationship between the players and Mumbai Indians’ global network, which spans multiple leagues around the world.
Ryan Rickelton: A proven performer in franchise cricket
Rickelton is no stranger to franchise leagues, and his previous stint in Major League Cricket showed exactly what he brings to the table. He represented the Seattle Orcas in the 2024 edition and made an immediate impact with his aggressive batting.
One of his standout performances was against Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), where he played a brilliant unbeaten inning of 103 runs off just 66 balls. That inning not only underlined his ability to dominate the bowling attack but also helped his team to an easy victory.
During that season, Rickelton scored 225 runs at an impressive average of 75, emerging as one of the leading run-scorers in the tournament for some time. His consistency and ability to perform well under pressure made him one of the league’s most valuable players.
Now, with MI relocating to New York, Rickelton finds himself in a setup known for its winning culture. The franchise has already won titles in 2023 and 2025, and with the 2026 season scheduled from June 18 to July 18, expectations will be high once again.
The upcoming edition will feature six competing teams – including teams like the Texas Super Kings (TSK). San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) and Washington Freedom (WF) – ensuring another exciting season of cricket in the United States.
Rickelton’s strong batting form and MI connection deepening
Rickelton’s signing comes due to his excellent form in IPL 2026, where he has been a key contributor for Mumbai Indians. His performances at the top of the order have provided his team with strong starts, often setting the stage for big scores or successful chases.
In MI’s season opening match against KKR, Rickelton played a key role in a memorable run chase. He scored 81 runs in just 43 balls and along with Rohit Sharma made a record-breaking opening partnership of 148 runs. This stand not only helped Mumbai chase down the tough target of 220 runs but also set a new benchmark for the franchise at the Wankhede Stadium.
His association with the Mumbai Indians family extends beyond the IPL. Rickelton has also performed consistently for MI Cape Town in the SA20 League, where he is part of the setup from 2022. In 33 innings, he has scored 1,349 runs at a strike rate of around 161, establishing himself as a reliable and explosive top-order batsman.
He also scored 388 runs in 14 innings in IPL 2025 after being selected in the mega auction. These consistent performances have made him a trusted name within the Mumbai Indians ecosystem.
With MI New York now joining that list, Rickelton becomes one of the few players to be actively involved in multiple teams under the same franchise umbrella.
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