India star R Ashwin has signed for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Ashwin signs for Sydney Thunder in BBL 15
Last month, Ashwin announced his retirement from the IPL, saying that "my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today." His international retirement came last December, during India's Test tour of Australia. He retired as the only player with 500 wickets and five centuries to his name in Test cricket.
As long as he was active in Indian cricket, Ashwin would not have been allowed to participate in overseas T20 franchise leagues due to the BCCI's long-standing policy of keeping their men's cricketers exclusive to the IPL. Since his retirement, he has also registered for the ILT20 player auction, at the highest base price, and joined the Indian team for the Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it,” Ashwin said. “My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role.
“I love how [Thunder captain] Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.”
Thunder general manager Trent Copeland praised the "injection of fresh energy" the off-spinner would bring to the team, and touched upon his role in connecting with the Indian diaspora in Western Sydney.
Is Ashwin the first Indian to play in the BBL?
Several Indian players have participated in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). On the men's side, Ashwin is India's first Test cricketer to play in the BBL. India U-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2012, Unmukt Chand had a stint with the Melbourne Renegades in 2022 – after he had moved out of India and switched allegiances to the USA the previous year.
Former Punjab cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary is also currently part of the BBL, with the Hobart Hurricanes.
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