Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to script a fresh chapter in his cricketing journey with his maiden appearance in the Big Bash League (BBL). According to reports, the Sydney Thunder have secured the services of the veteran spinner, edging out strong interest from the Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, and Hobart Hurricanes.
Ashwin had recently drawn the curtain on his illustrious IPL career, announcing his retirement from the league on August 27, 2025, after playing his final season with Chennai Super Kings. While his exit from the IPL marked the end of an era, the 38-year-old clarified that he has no plans of stepping away from T20 cricket just yet.
Instead, he has shifted his focus to overseas leagues, with the BBL being the first stop in this new phase of his career. Australia, a country that has witnessed some of Ashwin’s finest international spells, holds sentimental value for the seasoned off-spinner.
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It was in Australia that he played his last match for India, making his BBL debut there even more special. If confirmed, Ashwin will become the first-ever Indian cricketer to feature in the Big Bash League, a milestone that underlines both his longevity and global appeal.
R Ashwin will play for the Sydney Thunder in #BBL15 🤯
(via @DanielCherny & @BenHorne8) pic.twitter.com/P9M0LZI7pv
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) September 24, 2025
For Sydney Thunder, Ashwin’s arrival could be a game-changer. The team, which finished runners-up in the previous season, already boasts a formidable lineup featuring David Warner, Shadab Khan, Lockie Ferguson, and Sam Konstas. With Ashwin joining forces alongside Sangha and Shadab, Thunder’s spin department will arguably be one of the strongest in the competition.
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Beyond strengthening the squad, Ashwin’s signing adds enormous star power to the BBL. His presence ensures heightened attention from Indian fans, expanding the league’s reach and viewership. With four franchises keen to rope him in, Ashwin’s selection reaffirms his standing as a world-class spinner and T20 match-winner.
