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Sydney
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become the first capped Indian male cricketer to sign with a team in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Ashwin will represent the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming 2025-26 BBL season, marking a significant breakthrough as Indian male players have long been prohibited by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from participating in foreign T20 leagues.
The 39-year-old Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League earlier this year, making him eligible to explore franchise opportunities abroad. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed ongoing discussions with Ashwin and expressed excitement about his potential impact on the BBL. Greenberg called Ashwin an exceptional cricketer whose presence would greatly enhance the Big Bash and Australia’s cricketing summer.
Ashwin, a two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings and former leading test spinner for India, brings considerable experience and skill to the Australian competition. The move also signals new possibilities for Indian cricketers in global T20 leagues, breaking the long-standing barrier imposed by the BCCI on male players. While Indian women have competed regularly in the Women’s Big Bash League, Ashwin’s participation marks a historic milestone for Indian men’s cricket.
Though final details of the contract and team integration are still being worked out, speculation suggests Ashwin might be based in Melbourne for the tournament. This stint could be the start of Ashwin’s new chapter as a T20 globetrotter, following his retirement from international cricket last year and IPL earlier this year.
