The Big Bash League (BBL) is about to witness a first of its kind. Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spinners, has agreed to join Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season in what is being billed as one of the most significant signings in the competition’s history. The 39-year-old, who retired from the IPL earlier this year, is now free to ply his trade in overseas leagues, opening the door for this landmark deal. An official announcement from the club is expected later this week.
Ashwin will become the highest-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the BBL, following in the footsteps of Unmukt Chand, who played briefly for the Melbourne Renegades in 2021/22 after shifting allegiance to the United States. For Sydney Thunder, the signing is a major coup. Not only does it strengthen their spin department alongside Chris Green, Tom Andrews, and Tanveer Sangha, but it also promises to attract Australia’s large Indian expat community, boosting ticket sales and TV audiences.
Sydney Thunders Big Bash League squad 2025/26
David Warner (C), Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Shadab Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin
The post Ravichandran Ashwin set for historic Sydney Thunder stint in BBL; set to play with Pakistani all-rounder appeared first on Inside Sport India.