Is Ashwin playing the BBL? Sydney Thunder close in on landmark deal in Australia’s T20 league

Divy Dubey

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Is Ashwin playing the BBL? Sydney Thunder close in on landmark deal in Australia’s T20 league image

Sportzpics, BCCI

Indian players have long been absent from overseas T20 competitions due to restrictions around national commitments and IPL contracts. That policy has left leagues like the Big Bash relying on talent from England, Pakistan, New Zealand and the West Indies.

Now, reports from Australia suggest that this could change in a big way with one of India's most celebrated cricketers poised to feature in the upcoming season. The move, if confirmed, would not only reshape the Sydney Thunder's squad but also mark a turning point for the league's global reach.

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Ravichandran Ashwin agrees to join Sydney Thunder in BBL 2025

According to Fox Sports, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has committed to play for the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League.

The 39-year-old is expected to link up with the franchise in early January after completing his stint in the ILT20. CODE Sports was the first to report the development.

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Ashwin - who recently retired from the IPL, will become the highest-profile Indian cricketer to appear in the BBL. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg is understood to have approached him earlier this month to explore the possibility of a deal.

CA exemption required for Ravichandran Ashwin's BBL participation

Because Ashwin did not enter this year's BBL overseas draft, Cricket Australia will need to grant a special exemption for him to feature - similar to Martin Guptill's late signing with the Melbourne Renegades in 2022.

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Sydney Thunder have already secured Lockie Ferguson, Shadab Khan and Sam Billings but can still register additional overseas players within their salary cap.

Ashwin's inclusion would strengthen a spin-heavy attack alongside Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews - a combination well-suited to Sydney Showground's slower pitches.

His presence is also expected to boost interest among Australia's Indian expat community - providing a commercial lift through ticket sales and TV ratings. The 15th edition of the Big Bash League begins on December 14 with Ashwin's official signing expected to be confirmed later this week.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.