Ravichandran Ashwin, the former all-rounder from India, has broken new ground by signing with Sydney Thunder, becoming the first Indian male player to join Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) this Thursday.
This move follows his retirement from international cricket in December and his recent exit from the Indian Premier League, allowing him to sidestep the Indian board’s rule that prevents male players from competing in international franchise leagues.
While Indian women have taken part in the women’s BBL, the BCCI has consistently prohibited male players from participating in global T20 tournaments, marking 39-year-old Ashwin’s signing with the Thunder as a landmark event.
The team announced in a statement, “The Thunder Nation is thrilled to welcome the most significant overseas signing since the League’s inception, with Ashwin poised to be the first male player representing India to join a BBL team.”
“Ashwin will join Thunder’s roster in early January, energizing the team’s drive to achieve consecutive BBL Finals,” they added.
Although the skilled off-spinner won’t immediately join Thunder’s squad when the BBL season kicks off in December, he is already committed to the International League T20 tournament.
Ashwin has entered the auction for the tournament scheduled in the UAE from December 2 to January 4.
Ashwin stated, “Thunder was clear about their plans for me and bold enough to support it. My discussions with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role.”
He added, “I admire how (Thunder captain) Dave Warner approaches the game, and having a leader who shares your mindset is always beneficial. I’m excited to deliver for the Thunder Nation.”
Ashwin retired from test cricket with an impressive 765 international wickets across all formats, including 537 in tests, and ranked as the IPL’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 wickets in 221 matches.
