Ravichandran Ashwin is set to become the first Indian cricketer to compete in the BBL.
Ashwin will receive a warm welcome in Australia when he arrives in the new year. Sydney Thunder isn’t the only group excited to greet the talented Indian spinner.
Numerous stakeholders in Australian cricket are keen to support Ashwin as he embarks on this groundbreaking journey in January.
The final details of his official contract are being finalized, and the 39-year-old is expected to join the Thunder after January 5, following his stint in the ILT20. This could set him up for his BBL debut against Adelaide Strikers on January 6.
Ashwin’s involvement could see him play in four league matches and be eligible for the finals slated for January 25. He will be under David Warner’s captaincy and could replace Pakistani legspinner Shadab Khan.
As discussions continue regarding Ashwin’s agreement, there are prospects for his engagement in future BBL seasons as well. His deal remains pivotal for BBL’25 with potential implications for the 2026-27 season.
While approaches have come from other teams, there’s a strong belief that Trent Copeland, Thunder’s general manager, played a crucial role in securing Ashwin’s signing. The anticipation surrounding his arrival stems from both his cricketing prowess and his ability to connect with the South Asian community through his popular YouTube channel.
