Ravichandran Ashwin to play for Sydney Thunder in BBL:Announcement made on social media; off-spinner took retirement from IPL in August

Ravichandran Ashwin will be seen playing for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). The off-spinner himself shared this information on social media. This is the first time that an Indian cricketer will participate in this T20 league after playing international matches for Team India. Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18 last year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. And this year, on August 27, he also announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). After which, he was allowed to play in overseas T20 leagues. BBL will start from December 14 BBL will start from December 14, and its final will be played between January 20 to 25, 2026. Ashwin has signed with Sydney Thunder, whose General Manager is former Australian Test bowler Trent Copeland. Thunder is coached by England’s World Cup-winning coach Trevor Bayliss, and the team is captained by David Warner. Who had taken Thunder to the finals last season. Ashwin said, ‘Thunder had a clear strategy regarding my usage and showed courage in implementing it. My conversation with their leadership was excellent, and we completely agree on my role. I like David Warner’s style of play, and when your captain aligns with your thinking, it’s always better.’ Three foreign players from one team in BBL According to BBL rules, a maximum of three foreign players can play in each team. Thunder had already signed three foreign players, but under league rules they can sign four additional foreign replacement players. Ashwin had not participated in the BBL draft because at that time he had not retired from IPL. However, there is a provision to include foreign players in case of rule changes. Previously, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt have also been allowed to play in BBL and WBBL in the same way. Ashwin will also be seen in Hong Kong Sixes Before these major tournaments, Ashwin will represent India in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament from November 7-9, 2025. Ashwin said, ‘This format requires different strategies and it will be quite exciting.’ His presence will make the Indian team even more attractive in this tournament as well.