Sydney: R Ashwin on Thursday became the first major Indian cricketer to join the Big Bash League by signing up with Sydney Thunder.
Ashwin recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier Legaue, making him eligible to play in leagues around the world. The champion off-spinner had said goodbye to international cricket in the middle of the Australia tour last year.
The 39-year-old will be available for the second half of the BBL scheduled from December 14 to January 25.
Indian women cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have played in Women’s BBL in the past. Ashwin will join Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan in the Sydney Thunder team for the BBL 2025-26 season.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role,” Ashwin said.
