Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly set to make his debut in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the 2025-26 season. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer could become the first Indian male player with international experience to play in the league, as he is in talks with four BBL franchises.
Ashwin retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on August 28. The spinner expressed interest in exploring various T20 franchise leagues across the world. He is expected to feature in the BBL and the ILT20 later this year, with schedules allowing him to participate in both tournaments without conflicts.
Ravichandran Ashwin In Negotiations With 4 BBL Franchises
Ravichandran Ashwin is currently in negotiations with four Big Bash League franchises for the latter part of the upcoming season. According to ESPNCricinfo, the Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, and Adelaide Strikers are trying to secure his services.
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Thunder and Hurricanes are emerging as the frontrunners. If a deal is finalized later this week as expected, Ashwin would become the first internationally capped Indian male player to feature in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
The BCCI allows only retired Indian players to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik represented Paarl Royals in the SA20.
Ambati Rayudu played for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL 2013 and later for MI Emirates in the ILT20 in January 2024. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, while Suresh Raina played for Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 two years ago.
Ravichandran Ashwin To Feature in Inaugural ILT20 Auction
The report added that Ravichandran Ashwin has committed to the inaugural ILT20 auction in the UAE, scheduled for next Tuesday. He can play in the tournament, which is set to take place from December 2 to January 4.
The Big Bash League begins on December 14, with group stage matches running until January 18 and finals from January 20 to 25. This schedule allows Ashwin to participate in three to four late-season BBL games, plus finals if his team qualifies.
BBL teams can field three overseas players per match, with each franchise already signing three through pre-signing and the overseas draft in June. Teams may add four more players, making seven on the roster. Ashwin could also join as an injury replacement for the SA20.
Ashwin Retired from IPL as Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker
Ravichandran Ashwin is set to represent India in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, scheduled from November 7 to 9, as confirmed by Hong Kong Cricket.
Ashwin retired from the IPL earlier this year as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. He took 187 wickets in 221 matches at an average of 30.22. The cricketer also scored 833 runs with a half-century. He has also picked up 317 T20 wickets overall at an average of 26.94.
The 39-year-old had previously retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024. He finished with 765 wickets in 287 matches, including 37 five-wicket hauls. The spinner is India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble.
Ashwin is a two-time IPL champion with CSK (2010 and 2011) and also won the Champions League twice (2010 and 2014).
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