R Ashwin Joins New T20 Franchise, Set to Team Up with Pakistani Star
Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make history by joining the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, becoming the first prominent Indian player to participate in the Australian T20 tournament. The 39-year-old off-spinner, who recently retired from both Test cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), will join the Thunder after completing his commitments in the ILT20 tournament in the UAE in early January 2026. An official announcement from the Sydney Thunder is expected later this week regarding this landmark signing.
Ashwin’s Transition to the Big Bash League
Ravichandran Ashwin’s move to the Sydney Thunder marks a significant milestone for the Big Bash League, as Indian players have typically been barred from participating in overseas T20 leagues while active in the national team or IPL. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg reached out to Ashwin earlier this month to discuss the possibility of his involvement in the BBL, following Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL, which left him as a free agent in franchise cricket. This unique opportunity is anticipated to draw the attention of Australia’s Indian expatriate community and enhance television ratings for the tournament.
To facilitate Ashwin’s participation, Cricket Australia will need to grant a special exemption since he did not register for this year’s BBL overseas player draft. This arrangement is reminiscent of the exemption provided to Martin Guptill for his last-minute signing with the Melbourne Renegades in 2022. Ashwin’s involvement is expected to elevate the profile of the BBL, making this season one of the most significant in the tournament’s history.
Ashwin’s Impressive Credentials
Ravichandran Ashwin brings a wealth of experience to the Sydney Thunder, having established himself as one of the top bowlers in T20 cricket. He ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with an impressive tally of 187 wickets at an average of 30.22. His inclusion will bolster the Thunder’s already strong international lineup, which features notable players such as New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, and England’s Sam Billings.
The Thunder’s spin bowling attack is set to become particularly formidable with Ashwin joining forces with Chris Green, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha. This combination is expected to thrive at the Sydney Showground, where spinners had a combined economy rate of 6.60 last season, significantly better than the 7.71 rate for seam bowlers. Ashwin’s tactical acumen and experience will be invaluable as the Thunder aim for success in the upcoming season.
Exciting Matchups Ahead
One of the most anticipated moments of Ashwin’s BBL stint could be a Sydney derby against the Sixers at the SCG on January 16. This match presents an exciting opportunity for Ashwin to face off against former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australian star Steve Smith, adding to the intrigue of the encounter.
While Ashwin is the first high-profile Indian player to join the BBL, the only previous Indian participant was Unmukt Chand, who played two matches for the Melbourne Renegades during the 2021/22 season. However, Chand had already committed to representing the United States at that time. The Thunder’s squad will be limited to a maximum of three international players in their starting XI, in accordance with BBL regulations, despite the allowance for clubs to sign additional overseas players within their salary cap.
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