Fast bowler Cummins, who led Australia to glory in last year's 50-over World Cup in India, is currently playing at the T20 version being co-hosted by the United States and the Caribbean. On Tuesday, his signing was announced by the Unicorns who already boast a formidable attack featuring Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf and New Zealand's Matt Henry.

The second edition of MLC starts in July with MI New York defending their title from last year. Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson coaches the Unicorns with the league recently granted List A status, ie. official recognition, by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Unicorns are co-owned by co-owned by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Anand Rajamaran and Venky Harinarayan and Cummins said the pair played a big role in his decision with a view to his post-cricket career.

"I’m very excited to join the Unicorns ahead of the 2024 season,” said Cummins in a statement. "MLC is developing at a rapid rate, and the US market potential is huge for cricket.

"While cricket is integral to my involvement, the global network and long-term possibilities offered by the owners specifically, and Silicon Valley more broadly, presented a unique opportunity for me and my life beyond cricket."

Rajamaran added, "Pat Cummins has been one of the world’s great players across all formats for a number of years now and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Unicorns family. Pat’s commitment to a long-term contract demonstrates his faith in our vision for growing cricket in the Bay Area and more broadly across the US. We’re confident that, both on and off the pitch, he will bring a high calibre of performance that will help us achieve those goals."

MLC 2024 gets underway on 5 July with the Unicorns beginning their campaign against the LA Knight Riders in Grand Prairie, Texas two days later. Among Cummins' fellow Australians also taking part are Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Travis Head at Washington Freedom, and Marcus Stoinis at Texas Super Kings.