First Time Ever In Indian Cricket: R Ashwin Seals Historic BBL Move
First Time Ever In Indian Cricket: R Ashwin Seals Historic BBL Move
Ravichandran Ashwin is set to join Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League season, becoming the first high‑profile India men’s cricketer to feature in Australia’s flagship T20 competition. The 39‑year‑old retired from international cricket and the IPL last month, clearing the way to play overseas leagues. The Thunder are expected to make the signing official shortly.
Why This Move Is Historic
For years, active India men’s players have been barred from participating in foreign franchise leagues while contracted to the national side or the IPL. Ashwin’s retirement from both international cricket and the IPL changed that. With no IPL obligations and no India central contract, he is free to sign abroad. His landmark switch opens a pragmatic pathway for veteran India stars to extend their T20 careers globally after finishing domestic and international duties.
“Ashwin is understood to have committed to the Thunder,” reported Australian outlets, describing the deal as “a first” for a high‑profile Indian player in the BBL.
When Will Ashwin Play For Thunder?
The BBL runs from December 14 to January 18. Ashwin has also entered the ILT20 auction and is expected to fulfil that commitment through January 4. He is therefore slated to join Sydney Thunder for the latter part of the BBL season, strengthening their run‑in and any finals push.
How The Deal Came Together
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg personally reached out to Ashwin earlier this month to explore the move and smooth operational hurdles. Because Ashwin did not enter the BBL overseas player draft, Cricket Australia will need to grant a one‑off exemption to register him, similar to the late approval that allowed Martin Guptill to join the Melbourne Renegades in 2022. Given the player’s status and timing, the exemption is expected to be a formality.
“Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg contacted Ashwin to convince him to join the BBL,” reported local media.
What Thunder Gain
Sydney Thunder add one of the smartest operators in modern T20 spin. Ashwin’s power‑play control, middle‑overs strangling lengths, and deep matchup skills fit Australian conditions where he can also deploy the new‑ball carrom ball, slide, and seam‑up variations. His experience will help young batters read spin and give captain David Warner—and strike bowlers Pat Cummins and Daniel Sams—greater tactical flexibility.
Impact phases: Overs 1–6 (control) and 7–15 (wickets through matchups)
Matchups: Left‑handers, cross‑seam grip on tacky Sydney tracks, carrom ball to right‑handers
Batting value: Lower‑order smarts for 15–25 run cameos when needed
Ashwin Career Snapshot
Format | Matches | Wickets | Best | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 116 | 537 | 7/59 | India’s No. 2 Test wicket‑taker all time |
IPL | 221 | 187 | 4/34 | Economy ~7.20; 833 runs, HS 50 |
T20 overall | 300+ | 300+ | – | Power‑play specialist, elite matchup bowler |
Sydney Thunder Squad (Selected)
Player | Role |
|---|---|
David Warner (C) | Left‑hand opening batter |
Pat Cummins | Fast bowler |
Shadab Khan | Leg‑spinning all‑rounder |
Lockie Ferguson | Fast bowler |
Daniel Sams | All‑rounder |
Chris Green | Off‑spin all‑rounder |
Sam Billings | Wicketkeeper‑batter |
Cameron Bancroft | Top‑order batter |
Tanveer Sangha | Legspinner |
Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Nathan McAndrew, Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas | Core roster |
Ashwin’s arrival adds a third high‑quality spin option alongside Shadab Khan and Chris Green, giving Thunder a versatile attack across venues and day‑night conditions.
What It Means For Indian Players And Global Leagues
This move does not change BCCI policy for active players. It does, however, set a practical template: once an India player retires from both international cricket and the IPL, global franchise options open up. Expect veterans to consider short overseas stints for competitive cricket, mentoring roles, and commercial value, without compromising BCCI’s longstanding stance for active cricketers.
What Happens Next
Official confirmation: Thunder are expected to unveil the signing soon.
Registration: Cricket Australia to process an exemption since Ashwin did not enter the draft.
Schedule: Ashwin plays ILT20 through January 4, then links up with Thunder for the back half of the BBL.
“This is a win‑win: Thunder get an elite spinner for the business end, and the BBL taps into a massive South Asian audience drawn by Ashwin’s star power.”