New Delhi
Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has made history by becoming the first Indian male player to join the Big Bash League (BBL). The 39-year-old off-spinner signed with Sydney Thunder for BBL 15, marking the biggest overseas signing in the league’s history.
Ashwin retired from international cricket last summer and ended his IPL career recently. He will join Sydney Thunder in January and is set to play key matches including the game against Brisbane Heat on January 10, Melbourne Renegades on January 12, and the Sydney Smash on January 16.
Sydney Thunder’s general manager Trent Copeland praised Ashwin’s passion and leadership, saying he will be a vital mentor for younger players and attract fans from Western Sydney’s Indian community.
Over his career, Ashwin has taken 765 international wickets, including 537 in Tests, placing him eighth all-time. He won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy and was named ICC’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016. Ashwin played 16 IPL seasons, winning two titles with Chennai Super Kings.
Ashwin expressed excitement about joining Thunder, appreciating the team’s vision and captain David Warner’s leadership.
Sydney Thunder’s BBL 15 campaign begins on December 16 with a match against Hobart Hurricanes.
