R Ashwin to join David Warner's Sydney Thunder for contract worth nearly Rs 5.9 crore for 2 BBL seasons: Report

India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sent shockwaves around T20 franchises as he announced retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to explore global leagues. This season, he has registered for the ILT20 auction and now intends to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 as well. A day after it was reported that Ashwin has been approached by four BBL franchises including defending champions Hobart Hurricanes, it seems that he may end up playing for Sydney Thunder.

As per a report by Sydney Morning Herald, Ashwin’s deal with David Warner-led Thunder is soon to be finalised.

“Three sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, due to the sensitive nature of discussions, say a deal is close to being finalised with Ashwin for the upcoming season,” the Australian daily revealed.

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The report also said that Ashwin's deal is expected to be worth around $1 million (Australian dollars, Rs 5.87 crore approximately). As franchises have already spent maximum of their purse, Cricket Australia is exploring private investments in the league.

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For the 2025-26 season, Ashwin may get a deal upward of $400,000. The money offered to Ashwin will be split with the franchise and Cricket Australia’s marketing pool.

Ashwin who will be playing in the ILT20 will be available to play in the BBL in second week of January. The ILT20 2025-26 will go on until January 5. Ashwin is likely to be a part of the BBL for more than two weeks, considering Thunder reach the final which is scheduled to be played on January 25.

Ashwin will not be 1st Indian to play BBL

If Ashwin signs the deal, he will become the second Indian player to play in the BBL. Former India Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand had represented Melbourne Renegades in the 2021/22 season.

Thunder’s BBL record -

Thunder's previous and only BBL title win came in the 2015/16 season under the captaincy of Michael Hussey, current CSK batting coach. In the previous season, they were blown away by Hobart Hurricanes' Mitchell Owen in the final. They Warner-led Thunder lost the final by seven wickets.