According to various reports, Indian veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will join the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League season, a first for a high-profile Indian player. The 39-year-old, who recently retired from the Indian Premier League, is expected to be available for the Thunders after January 4, 2026, following the conclusion of his commitments in the International League T20 in the UAE.
This signing comes after Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg personally reached out to Ashwin. With his retirement from the IPL, Ashwin became a free agent in the world of franchise cricket, making him available to play in overseas T20 leagues. Indian players are typically prohibited from participating in such tournaments while they are still active in the national team or the IPL. Ashwin's involvement is expected to be a highlight for the Australian Indian expatriate community and could also boost television ratings for the BBL.
To finalize the deal, Cricket Australia will need to grant a special exemption for Ashwin's participation, as he did not register for this year's BBL overseas player draft. This arrangement would be similar to the one granted to Martin Guptill in 2022. Once the official announcement is made, Ashwin will join an international contingent with the likes of New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson and Pakistan's Shadab Khan.
Holding the fifth-highest wicket-taker position in IPL history with 187 wickets, Ashwin is expected to perform similar wonders for the thunders. His arrival is expected to make the spin bowling attack particularly formidable, especially at the Sydney Showground. Last season, spinners at the venue maintained a combined economy rate of 6.60 compared to 7.71 for seam bowlers, indicating a favorable environment for Ashwin's style of play.
The signing is a major boost for the Big Bash League's 15th season, which is scheduled to begin on December 14. A potential highlight for fans could be a Sydney derby on January 16 against the Sixers, where Ashwin might face off against former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australian star Steve Smith. While Unmukt Chand had previously played two BBL matches, Ashwin’s signing is expected to be seen as a much bigger event, owing to his cricketing status.