Ravichandran Ashwin has agreed to a historic contract with the Sydney Thunder, marking one of the team’s biggest acquisitions in Big Bash League (BBL) history. According to Fox Sports, an official announcement is expected later this week.
The report highlights that the Thunder have already secured the services of New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson and Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan during June’s Draft. Additionally, English wicketkeeper Sam Billings has committed to the club on a multi-year deal.
Ashwin’s arrival could lead to some thrilling encounters, including a mouth-watering Sydney derby against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on January 16. In this fixture, he might face off against former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Australian star Steve Smith.
### Ashwin to Play in the Big Bash League
Todd Greenberg, the CEO of Cricket Australia, reportedly reached out to Ashwin earlier this month to gauge his interest in playing in the Big Bash League. Ashwin, who retired from Test cricket last year, has agreed to join the Sydney Thunder after the ILT20 tournament concludes in early January.
The 39-year-old will play alongside notable players such as David Warner and Sam Konstas, as first reported by CODE Sports. Ashwin has committed to playing the full duration of the United Arab Emirates-based ILT20 tournament, which ends on January 4. He is set to be part of the ILT20 Auction next week.
### How Is Ashwin Qualified to Play in the BBL?
To become a franchise cricket free agent and explore opportunities in other T20 leagues, Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Indian players who currently represent the national team or participate in the IPL are barred from competing in other T20 tournaments abroad.
As a veteran off-spinner with 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, Ashwin is the fifth-leading wicket-taker in IPL history. His participation in the BBL is expected to attract significant attention from the Indian expatriate community in Australia, boosting television ratings and ticket sales.
### Indian Players in the Big Bash League
The first Indian to play in the BBL was Unmukt Chand, who featured for the Melbourne Renegades in two matches during the 2021/22 season. However, Chand had already pledged his allegiance to the United States cricket team by that time.
Ashwin’s entry into the Big Bash League marks a new milestone for Indian cricketers in global T20 leagues and promises an exciting new chapter for the Sydney Thunder franchise.
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