From Auction Rejection to BBL Commitment: Ashwin’s Bold New Chapter
In a swift and strategic pivot, Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has signed on to play the entire 2024–25 Big Bash League (BBL) season with Sydney Thunder—just one day after going unsold at the ILT20 auction in Dubai .
The move marks Ashwin’s most extensive overseas T20 commitment to date and signals his determination to remain a global T20 force despite being overlooked by UAE-based franchises.
Why This Deal Is a Game-Changer
- Full-season availability: Unlike past stints, Ashwin will be with Thunder from Match 1 through Finals (if qualified).
- Mentorship role: Expected to guide young Thunder spinners like Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green.
- Strategic depth: Adds elite off-spin and lower-order batting to a middle-order-heavy Thunder lineup.
- Fan engagement boost: One of India’s most followed cricketers brings global attention to BBL.
Ashwin’s Recent T20 League Timeline
| League | Team | Status (2024) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILT20 (UAE) | — | Auction: Oct 1, 2025 | Unsold (Base price: $75,000) |
| Big Bash League (Australia) | Sydney Thunder | Announced: Oct 2, 2025 | Full-season signing confirmed |
| IPL | Rajasthan Royals | 2024 Season | Played 12 matches, 11 wickets @ 28.54 |
What Ashwin Brings to Thunder
At 38, Ashwin remains one of the most tactically astute spinners in world cricket. In BBL’s high-scoring, boundary-heavy conditions, his ability to bowl into the pitch and vary pace could disrupt power-hitters. His 2023 BBL cameo (3 matches for Thunder) yielded 4 wickets at an economy of 7.2.
“Ravi’s experience, control, and cricket IQ are exactly what our squad needs,” said Thunder head coach Gavin McDonald .
Fan & Fantasy Impact
Ashwin’s full-season presence makes Sydney Thunder a must-watch team for Indian fans and boosts their appeal in fantasy cricket platforms. His all-round contributions could be pivotal in tight BBL encounters.
[INTERNAL_LINK:Big Bash League 2024-25] | [INTERNAL_LINK:R Ashwin] | [INTERNAL_LINK:Sydney Thunder]