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Ravichandran Ashwin Signs With Sydney Thunder, First India Men's International in BBL

Dual retirements cleared BCCI barriers, leaving a January start after ILT20.

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Cricket - Fourth Test - India v England - JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, India - February 25, 2024 India's Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates after taking the caught and bowled wicket of England's Ben Foakes REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo
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Overview

  • Sydney Thunder confirmed on September 25 that the 39-year-old off-spinner will join in early January for the latter half of BBL|15.
  • Ashwin has entered the ILT20 auction with the highest base price; the UAE league runs December 2–January 4, so he will miss the BBL’s opening weeks and could be limited to roughly three regular-season games depending on ILT20 results.
  • Thunder secured Ashwin after interest from multiple BBL clubs following discussions with Cricket Australia and league executives.
  • BBL rules permit only three overseas players in a match and allow replacement signings outside the draft; Thunder are expected to fit Ashwin on a high per-game deal inside the cap alongside a separate Cricket Australia marketing agreement.
  • General manager Trent Copeland hailed Ashwin’s leadership and appeal to Western Sydney’s Indian diaspora, while Ashwin cited clarity on his role and enthusiasm to play under David Warner.