Overview

• Sydney Thunder confirmed Ravichandran Ashwin’s signing, making him the first male Indian cricketer contracted by a Big Bash League team, with Republic World reporting a two-year deal.
• Michael Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast that Ashwin’s inclusion should open the door for more Indian players to feature in the BBL.
• The BCCI policy currently prevents contracted Indian men from playing in overseas franchise leagues outside the IPL, though Indian women have appeared in the WBBL.
• Ashwin had retired from international cricket and left the IPL earlier this year, clearing the way for his overseas franchise engagement.
• Ashwin has registered for the ILT20 auction with a reported USD 120,000 base price, and that league’s December–January window may overlap the BBL’s December 14 start, raising questions over his early availability.