Indian cricket icon Ravichandran Ashwin has officially joined Sydney Thunder for the highly anticipated BBL 15 season. This represents one of the most significant signings in the history of the Big Bash League, as one of India’s most celebrated cricketers brings his global experience and exceptional skill set to the Australian T20 stage.
The 39-year-old veteran is slated to link up with the Thunder squad after fulfilling his commitments in the ILT20 in the UAE, which concludes on January 4th. Ashwin will bolster a formidable lineup that includes star players such as David Warner and Sam Konstas. His extensive experience will be a tremendous asset to a spin-heavy team that already boasts talents like Chris Green, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha.
Ashwin’s decision to join the BBL comes after his retirement from Test cricket last year and his choice to opt out of the Indian Premier League (IPL), effectively opening doors for him to explore opportunities in other competitive T20 leagues worldwide. Cricket Australia’s chief executive, Todd Greenberg, personally reached out to Ashwin, recognizing the immense potential of the Indian off-spinner to draw in fans and significantly boost television ratings, particularly within Australia’s vibrant Indian community.
Despite not registering for this year’s BBL overseas player draft, Cricket Australia made a special provision, granting Ashwin an exemption. This move echoes a similar instance in 2022 when Martin Guptill was a last-minute signing for the Melbourne Renegades, highlighting the league’s flexibility for high-impact international players.
Under the existing BBL regulations, clubs are permitted to sign multiple overseas players, though a maximum of three are allowed in the starting XI for any given match. Sydney Thunder has already made strong international acquisitions, including pace sensation Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan’s versatile all-rounder Shadab Khan, and England’s skilled wicketkeeper Sam Billings. Ashwin’s addition further cements their position, making them a well-rounded and potent squad.
It’s important to note that while Ashwin’s arrival marks a significant milestone, he is not the first Indian cricketer to participate in the Big Bash. Unmukt Chand previously made history by representing the Melbourne Renegades in the 2021/22 season. Nevertheless, Ashwin’s entry signifies a new era, as he becomes the first truly high-profile Indian star to play in the Australian T20 tournament, and his presence is undoubtedly expected to elevate the Thunder’s firepower and bring an electrifying dimension to the competition.