Three-time champions Sydney Thunder confirmed India's legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's availability for the entire season of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 season.
R Ashwin to play full season of BBL 2025-2026
Ashwin had been confirmed as the fourth overseas player for the 15th edition of the BBL a couple of weeks ago, though his initial commitment was only for four league matches plus the finals. This limited availability was due to his hope of securing a bid in the ILT20 auction. However, Ashwin failed to lure bidders in the ILT20 auction, hence, he has now confirmed his full-season availability for the Sydney Thunder.
“Ashwin’s decision to play the full BBL season with Sydney Thunder is another exciting moment for our club, members and fans leading into a huge summer of Big Bash. From the outset, we put an offer to Ashwin to bring him to Western Sydney for the entire season. Following the initial announcement of his signing, conversations progressed quickly and it was a no-brainer from Thunder’s perspective to bring him in for the whole tournament," Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said in a statement.
“This decision demonstrates Ashwin’s commitment to our club and what we’re trying to build. We’re delighted to be bringing in an icon of the game – a leader and world-class player on-field, and someone who will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation," Copeland added.
Ashwin on cusp of scripting history in BBL
R Ashwin, at 39, is set to become the first capped Indian player to participate in the BBL. While players like Nikhil Chaudhary (now an Australian citizen) and Unmukt Chand (now an American citizen) have played in the tournament previously, Ashwin's presence is a major coup. A player of his caliber joining the league is expected to be a significant boost for the BBL, especially amid ongoing discussions about privatization in Australian cricket circles. At the Sydney Thunder, Ashwin will join a strong lineup that includes Sam Billings, David Warner, Chris Green, Shadab Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Cameron Bancroft, Daniel Sams, and Tanveer Sangha. The Thunder were finalists last season and look well-positioned to go one better this time around. They will kick off their BBL campaign against the defending champions, the Hobart Hurricanes, on December 16.