Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has created history by signing with Sydney Thunder for KFC BBL|15, becoming the first male player to have represented India to join a Big Bash League club.
Ashwin posted a photo of his new Sydney Thunder jersey on X with the caption: “What colour today at Navratri?”
The 39-year-old off-spinner is regarded as one of the most decorated cricketers of the modern era, boasting 765 international wickets in 287 matches for India — including 537 Test scalps, ranking him eighth all-time in the format.
A two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin has also lifted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, and was named both ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
Ashwin’s signing is considered the biggest overseas acquisition since the BBL’s inception, with his arrival in early January set to ignite Thunder’s push for back-to-back Finals appearances.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it,” Ashwin said in a statement.
“I love how 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.”
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland praised the signing, saying Ashwin would bring “fresh energy and world-class bowling” as well as invaluable leadership. “From the first time we spoke, Ashwin impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, desire to win and understanding of what makes our club special,” Copeland said.
“Perhaps most excitingly, Ashwin’s connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation.”
After retiring from international cricket and the IPL earlier this year, Ashwin becomes a free agent in global franchise cricket. His BBL debut will also require Cricket Australia to grant an exemption, as he did not nominate for the league’s overseas draft.
Ashwin’s signing adds further depth to a spin-heavy Thunder line-up featuring Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha and Tom Andrews, perfectly suited to the slow deck at Sydney Showground Stadium. His inclusion is also expected to boost ticket sales and television viewership, particularly among Australia’s large Indian community.
Thunder will begin their BBL|15 campaign on 16 December with a grand final rematch against the Hobart Hurricanes before returning home to ENGIE Stadium for a blockbuster Sydney Smash against the Sixers on 20 December.
The current Thunder squad includes Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha and David Warner.
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