In a landmark move for Indian cricket, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with Sydney Thunder for the 2025–26 Big Bash League (BBL), becoming the first major Indian male cricketer to participate in Australia’s premier T20 competition. The 39-year-old spinner, known for his sharp turn and cricketing intelligence, brings a wealth of experience from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the BBL.
Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 during India’s tour of Australia and announced his exit from the IPL in August 2025. With these decisions, he became eligible to play in overseas leagues, opening the door for his historic stint in Australia. The cricketer also took on social media to share this news with his fans:
Sydney Thunder will welcome Ashwin for the second half of the BBL season, which runs from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026. He is expected to make his debut after finishing commitments in the ILT20 tournament in the UAE. Fans eagerly anticipate his first game against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on January 10, followed by a match against the Melbourne Renegades on January 12.
Ashwin’s presence is expected to significantly strengthen Sydney Thunder’s bowling lineup. With over 765 international wickets and 187 IPL scalps to his name, Ashwin brings both skill and mentorship, particularly for younger spinners in the team.
As the BBL gears up for another exciting season, fans will be watching closely to see how India’s spin maestro adapts to Australian conditions and continues to make his mark in the shortest format of the game.
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