Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut with Sydney Thunder in the upcoming tournament. Following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, Ashwin is close to finalizing a deal with the Thunder, with an official announcement expected later this week.
Indian cricketers have been absent from overseas T20 leagues due to restrictions from the BCCI. Tournaments like the Big Bash have featured players from England, Pakistan, New Zealand, and the West Indies. Ashwin is set to become the first Indian with international experience to compete in the BBL.
Ravichandran Ashwin Set to Join Sydney Thunder for BBL 2025-26
Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly set to join the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League. The Indian off-spinner will join the Thunder squad, which includes David Warner and rising batter Sam Konstas. He will strengthen the spin bowling department.
According to a report by CODE Sports, Ashwin will join the franchise in early January after completing his ILT20 commitments in the UAE, where he is also registered for the auction. Ashwin will play the entire tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which concludes on January 4.
According to a report by Fox Sports, the franchise is set to make the official announcement later this week. Notably, Ashwin will join the Big Bash League for the last three to four BBL games and the finals if his team qualifies.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Join BBL After Special Exemption from Cricket Australia
Ravichandran Ashwin’s participation in the Big Bash League will require a special exemption from Cricket Australia, as he did not register for this year’s overseas player draft.
Earlier this month, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg contacted Ashwin, who retired from Tests last year, to gauge his interest in joining the tournament.
Ashwin recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League. He became eligible to play in other T20 leagues, as this option is not available to active Indian national or IPL players.
Ashwin has taken 187 wickets in 221 IPL matches at an average of 30.22 and an economy rate of 7.2, with best bowling figures of 4/34. He is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Overall, he has taken 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches at an average of 26.94 and an economy rate of 7.11.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Join Shadab Khan, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha
Sydney Thunder have assembled a spin-heavy squad for the upcoming Big Bash League, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha. Spinners could play a key role on the slow decks at Sydney, where they maintained an economy rate of 6.60 last season.
The franchise had already secured New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan, and English wicketkeeper Sam Billings.
While Unmukt Chand was the first Indian to feature in the BBL, representing Melbourne Renegades in 2021/22, Ashwin will be the first capped Indian player to take part in the tournament.
The 15th edition of the Big Bash League is scheduled to begin on December 14. Teams are allowed to sign multiple overseas players within their salary caps, but only three internationals can play in the starting XI.