Is Ashwin Set to Join Sydney Thunder in BBL?
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Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make his mark in the Big Bash League as he prepares to join Sydney Thunder. This move not only highlights his transition from international cricket but also underscores the growing influence of Indian players in global T20 leagues. Will this be a game-changer for both Ashwin and the Thunder?
Key Takeaways
- Ashwin is joining Sydney Thunder for the BBL.
- He retired from international cricket and IPL earlier this year.
- He is the first high-profile Indian player in the BBL.
- Ashwin has a remarkable record of 765 international wickets.
- His participation reflects the growing trend of Indian players in overseas leagues.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed Indian off-spin bowler, is reportedly gearing up to join Sydney Thunder for the forthcoming Big Bash League, marking his entry as the first prominent Indian player in this renowned Australian T20 competition.
On Tuesday, the 39-year-old, who recently bid farewell to international cricket and the IPL, registered for the ILT20 auction with a starting price of USD 120,000, the highest set for any player.
He is expected to link up with the Thunder post the conclusion of the ILT20 in early January, teaming up with David Warner and Sam Konstas, as reported by Fox Sports. Earlier this month, Todd Greenberg, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, reached out to Ashwin, who stepped away from Test cricket last year, to explore his interest in a possible role in the Big Bash League.
Since Ashwin did not enter this year’s BBL overseas player draft, Cricket Australia will need to provide a special exemption for him to compete in the tournament, akin to Martin Guptill's late agreement with the Melbourne Renegades in 2022.
After announcing his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, Ashwin also withdrew from the Indian Premier League, making him available for franchise competitions outside India.
Last week, Ashwin signed up for the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, with Cricket Hong Kong making a formal announcement regarding his participation. Dinesh Karthik will captain the Indian squad in this tournament.
In December of last year, Ashwin declared his retirement from international cricket after a drawn Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, concluding his career with a remarkable tally of 765 international wickets across 287 matches. He also holds the distinction of having scored the winning runs in the thrilling chase against Pakistan at the MCG during the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
To pursue opportunities in various franchise T20 leagues globally, he retired from the IPL earlier this year. The veteran off-spinner ranks as the fifth-leading wicket-taker of all time in the IPL, with 187 wickets at an average of 30.22.
Point of View
I believe Ravichandran Ashwin's entry into the Big Bash League symbolizes the evolving landscape of cricket, where international players are increasingly seeking opportunities across various leagues. This trend not only enhances the competition but also fosters cultural exchange within the sport.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ashwin joining Sydney Thunder?
Ravichandran Ashwin is joining Sydney Thunder to participate in the Big Bash League, marking a significant moment as the first high-profile Indian player in this tournament.
What does Ashwin's participation mean for the BBL?
Ashwin's involvement in the BBL enhances the tournament's global appeal and showcases the trend of Indian players making their mark in international leagues.
How has Ashwin performed in his career?
Ashwin has a stellar record, concluding his international career with 765 wickets and being the fifth-leading wicket-taker in IPL history.
What are the implications of his retirement from IPL?
His retirement from the IPL opens up opportunities for him to play in various international T20 leagues, increasing his visibility and experience.
Who else will Ashwin be playing with in Sydney Thunder?
Ashwin is set to play alongside David Warner and Sam Konstas in the Sydney Thunder.
