South African goalkeeper Ryan Rickelton Major League Cricket (MLC) is all set to expand its global T20 journey as it prepares to join MI New York for the 2026 season. The move comes at a time when the 29-year-old is enjoying a rich run of form, particularly with Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026.
The signing is a big boost for MI New York, a franchise that has quickly established itself as one of the league’s strongest sides. With ambitions of a third title in four seasons, the addition of Rickelton adds more firepower to an already formidable squad.
Rickelton’s entry also reinforces the growing bond between players and Mumbai Indians’ global network spanning multiple leagues around the world.
Ryan Rickelton: A proven performer in franchise cricket
Rickelton is no stranger to the franchise leagues and his previous work in Major League Cricket showcased exactly what he brings to the table. He represented the Seattle Orcas in the 2024 edition and made an immediate impact with his aggressive hitting.
One of his notable performances came against Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) where he scored a stunning unbeaten knock of 103 off just 66 balls. This innings highlighted his ability to excel in bowling attacks and helped his team to a comfortable victory.
During that season, Rickelton scored 225 runs at an average of 75 and was briefly one of the tournament’s leading run scorers. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the league’s most valuable players.
Now, with the move to New York, MI, Rickelton finds himself in an establishment known for its winning culture. The franchise has already won titles in 2023 and 2025, and with the 2026 season running from June 18 to July 18, expectations will be high again.
The upcoming edition will feature six competitive teams, including the Texas Super Kings (TSK) San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) and Washington Freedom (WF) – ensuring another exciting cricket season in the USA.
Rickelton’s strong batting form and deepening MI connection
Rickelton’s signing is in excellent form in IPL 2026 where he has been a key contributor for Mumbai Indians. His performances at the top of the order provided his team with strong starts, often setting the tone for big totals or successful chases.
In MI’s season opener against KKR, Rickelton was instrumental in a memorable run chase. He scored a total of 43 off 81 balls to form a record-breaking 148-run partnership with Rohit Sharma. The stand not only helped Mumbai chase the 220-run target but also set a new benchmark for the franchise at the Wankhede Stadium.
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His association with the Mumbai Indians family goes beyond the IPL. Rickelton has also been a consistent performer for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league, where he has been part of the set-up since 2022. In 33 innings, he established himself as a reliable and explosive top-order batsman, scoring 1,349 runs at an average rate of 161.
He also participated in the IPL 2025, scoring 388 runs in 14 innings after being selected in the mega auction. These consistent performances have made him a trusted name in the Mumbai Indians ecosystem.
Now, with MI New York added to that list, Rickelton becomes one of the few players to be actively involved with multiple teams under the same franchise umbrella.
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