Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will play for Sydney Thunder in the BBL at the age of 39. Ashwin will make history in the T20 league by becoming the first Indian player in franchise cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Former Indian team off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make history by playing in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). At 39 years old, Ashwin will be the first Indian player to feature in this prestigious T20 league. His move has generated a wave of excitement among Indian cricket fans.
Ashwin might be seen on the field for the Sydney Thunder team this time. An official announcement from the franchise is expected soon. Additionally, Ashwin will also participate in the ILT20 auction, which will further broaden his franchise cricket journey.
Preparing to become the first Indian player in BBL
Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket and the IPL. Following this, he has become a complete free agent in franchise cricket. This has opened doors for him to play in foreign T20 leagues. Ashwin's participation in the BBL will present new opportunities and set an example for Indian players.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg contacted Ashwin earlier this month to discuss the possibility of his involvement in the BBL. The BBL will be organized from December 14 to January 18. Ashwin might join Sydney Thunder in the second half of the season.
ILT20 Auction and Foreign Leagues
Ashwin will participate in the ILT20 auction on January 4. This will provide him with an opportunity to establish a new identity by playing in foreign T20 leagues. Active players in the IPL and national team are restricted from playing in foreign leagues, but Ashwin is now free from these rules. He had not registered for this year's BBL overseas draft, so Cricket Australia will have to grant him a special exemption, similar to what was given to Martin Guptill in 2022.
Ashwin retired from international cricket during the Australia tour last December. Following this, he will remain fully active in franchise cricket.
Ashwin's Career and Achievements
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the most successful off-spinners in Indian cricket. He has taken the second-highest number of wickets in Test cricket after Anil Kumble. Ashwin has 537 Test wickets to his name, while Kumble took 619 wickets.
In the IPL, Ashwin has taken 187 wickets in 221 matches. Additionally, he has contributed 833 runs with the bat. His balanced contribution in both bowling and batting has been extremely important for teams.
Ashwin's experience and game knowledge will make him a formidable player in the BBL. A team like Sydney Thunder will be further strengthened by his arrival, and young players will receive guidance.
Ashwin's Significance in T20 Franchise Cricket
Ashwin's participation in the BBL will be a source of inspiration for Indian players. It will demonstrate that even experienced players can achieve success in foreign leagues at the age of 39. This will further strengthen Indian cricket's global recognition.
Ashwin's involvement will enhance the competitiveness of the BBL, and his spin bowling magic will be witnessed in the league. Additionally, it will provide a learning opportunity for young Indian spinners.
