Ashwin Joins Sydney Thunder in Historic BBL Deal
Ashwin Becomes First Indian Male to Sign With Big Bash League Club
SYDNEY – Former India star Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with Sydney Thunder, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to join Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
The landmark deal comes after the 39-year-old retired from international cricket in December and wrapped up his Indian Premier League (IPL) career last month, making him eligible to play in overseas franchise leagues. Until now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had barred its male players from featuring in foreign T20 competitions, even though Indian women have competed in the Women’s BBL.
“Thunder Nation will welcome the biggest overseas signing since the League’s inception,” the club said in a statement. “Ashwin will become the first Indian male cricketer to play in the BBL when he joins our squad in January.”
Ashwin will miss the opening stages of the season, which begins in December, due to his commitment to the International League T20 in the UAE. That tournament runs from December 2 to January 4. He is expected to link up with Thunder in early January as they chase back-to-back finals appearances.
The off-spinner praised the Thunder’s clarity on his role, saying his discussions with the leadership gave him confidence. “Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned,” Ashwin said.
He also expressed admiration for Thunder captain David Warner, a former Australia opener. “I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.”
Ashwin retired with 765 wickets across formats, including 537 in Tests, where he ranked among the game’s most prolific bowlers. In the IPL, he finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 scalps from 221 matches.
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