Sydney, Oct 10 (NationPress) The head of Sydney Thunder, Trent Copeland, expressed his eagerness to welcome Ravichandran Ashwin to Western Sydney, highlighting the Indian legend's choice to participate in the entire BBL 15 season as "another thrilling moment" for the franchise.

"Ashwin's choice to engage for the full BBL 15 season with Sydney Thunder is truly an exciting development for our organization," Copeland remarked in a statement issued on Friday.

“Initially, we presented an offer to Ashwin to bring him to Western Sydney for the entire BBL|15 season. Following the announcement of his signing, discussions advanced rapidly, making it an obvious choice for Thunder to secure him for the complete tournament.”

Ashwin’s commitment for the full season follows his unsold status at the UAE ILT20 player auction, where none of the six franchises bid for him at the highest base price of USD 120,000. After this, the 39-year-old quickly moved to confirm his availability for the Big Bash, committing to the Thunder for the entire season, including the finals.

“This decision illustrates Ashwin's dedication to our club and our vision,” Copeland added. “We are thrilled to recruit an icon of the sport – a leader and world-class performer on the field – who will motivate a new generation of members and supporters to join the Thunder Nation.”

Ashwin, who concluded his international cricket career last December and exited the IPL in August, will make history as the first nationally capped Indian men’s player to play in the Big Bash. His debut for the Thunder will be during their season opener against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 16, followed by his home debut in the Sydney Smash at Engie Stadium on December 20.

Copeland indicated that the club aspires to extend their partnership with India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker beyond this season. If Ashwin enters the BBL 16 overseas player draft, Thunder will have priority rights.

BBL general manager Alistair Dobson also praised the signing, calling it a historic moment for the league. “It’s a fantastic sign that players worldwide see the BBL as a desirable competition to participate in, regardless of their previous experiences,” Dobson noted. “Engaging with Ashwin and his agent over time on what matters to him was an insightful process… and I’m confident the Thunder has excelled in securing his commitment with all the benefits he brings and what they can provide him. This will certainly be a significant aspect of our season.”