R Ashwin set for historic BBL debut: first-time move for Indian cricket, career highlights, and season details.
In Indian cricket's first for history, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play for Sydney Thunder in the next season of the Big Bash League (BBL), a source has informed. This is the first time a big-name Indian cricketer will play in the Australian T20 franchise league.
Ashwin, 39, walked away from international cricket during India's tour of Australia in December 2024 and brought an end to his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last month. Those moves made him a free agent, leaving the door open for international T20 work.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg is said to have personally contacted Ashwin earlier this month to discuss his potential inclusion in the BBL.
According to a source, the Sydney Thunder are expected to make an official announcement later this week. Ashwin did not enter the BBL overseas draft, meaning Cricket Australia will need to grant him a special exemption a procedure similar to the one that permitted Martin Guptill to join the Melbourne Renegades in 2022.
Ashwin is also set to appear in the ILT20 league after its auction end on January 4. He will likely play for Sydney Thunder in the latter half of the BBL season, which begins from December 14 to January 18.
A decorated career has established Ashwin as one of India's best spinners. In Test cricket, Ashwin became the second-most wicket-taker of the nation with 537 wickets, second only behind Anil Kumble's 619. In the IPL, Ashwin played 221 games, claiming 187 wickets at a mean of 30.22, with best bowling of 4/34. He also scored runs with the bat, making 833 runs with a top score of 50.
Ashwin's switch to the BBL follows the BCCI prohibiting active Indian players from playing in foreign leagues while with the national team or IPL. Now retired, Ashwin's involvement in Australia marks a milestone in Indian cricket history, highlighting international opportunities for retired players.
The Sydney Thunder team for the coming season consists of David Warner (Captain), Pat Cummins, Shadab Khan, Ollie Davies, Sam Billings, Cameron Bancroft, and Lockie Ferguson, along with Ashwin, giving significant strength to the team's spin section.
