New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is set for his first Major League Cricket (MLC) experience after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2025 season. The 30-year-old will reunite with New Zealand opening partner Finn Allen and former Northern Districts teammate Corey Anderson at the Unicorns.
Under Anderson’s leadership, the Unicorns finished as runners-up in MLC 2024.
Although Seifert and Allen are currently without central contracts from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), both have committed to being available for all of New Zealand’s T20I series ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The explosive duo was recently reintroduced to New Zealand’s T20I setup for the home series against Pakistan, earning the nickname "New Zealand’s bash brothers" for their aggressive batting at the top.
“I’ve been following MLC from afar over the last couple of seasons, particularly keeping a close eye on some of the Kiwi contingent,” Seifert said. “I can't wait to get started this summer and add some more firepower to a team that’s already stacked with talent and hungry to go one better than last year.”
Unicorns head coach Shane Watson welcomed Seifert's signing, praising both his cricketing skills and character. “His skills with the gloves will be a major asset, especially with the new wickets in Oakland and Fort Lauderdale offering some unknowns for spinners,” Watson said. “With his current batting form, Tim will further strengthen our already dominant top order alongside Finn [Allen], Shorty [Matt Short], and Jake [Fraser-McGurk].”
Seifert and Allen are currently featuring in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Meanwhile, other MLC teams have also turned to New Zealand players. Michael Bracewell, key to New Zealand’s run to the Champions Trophy final in March, has been signed by MI New York (MINY), where he will join Trent Boult. Boult continues his association with the MI franchise across leagues like the MLC, SA20, and IPL.
Daryl Mitchell, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, has re-signed with the Texas Super Kings (TSK) for 2025. TSK have also retained Devon Conway and Noor Ahmad while adding Adam Milne, who previously played for Washington Freedom, and South African duo Nandre Burger and Donovan Ferreira from Joburg Super Kings.
Seattle Orcas have appointed former New Zealand star Ross Taylor as their ambassador for MLC 2025, with former England batter Ian Bell stepping in as the team’s new batting coach.
In a significant development, New Zealand Cricket has become the first national governing body to invest directly in an overseas T20 league, partnering with MLC to launch a new team when the league expands in 2027.
The 2025 edition of Major League Cricket will run from June 13 to July 14, with Oakland's Coliseum set to host matches for the first time.
