Ashwin commits to full season with Sydney Thunder
Ravichandran Ashwin will feature in the entire Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 season with Sydney Thunder, marking a historic moment as the first capped Indian cricketer to sign a full contract in the competition. His move comes a day after going unsold in the inaugural ILT20 auction.
Explaining the sequence of events, Ashwin told ESPNcricinfo: “I had agreed verbally with ILT20 but then the franchise offers were pretty low because the direct signings had been closed by all teams. Meanwhile, Thunder came with a good deal, but since I had verbally agreed with ILT20, I entered the auction saying this is the minimum price I want to play for, else I am happy going to the BBL.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg hailed the signing as a watershed moment:
“It’s a big moment for the BBL to welcome Ravi here, I have been talking to him personally on a number of occasions. I have found him a breath of fresh air, I think our fans are going to really enjoy watching him play and engaging with him when he’s here for the BBL.”
Ashwin stands firm on ILT20 auction stance
The former India spinner had registered at the highest base price of USD 120,000 for the ILT20. After failing to attract bids in the opening round, he withdrew from subsequent rounds, insisting he would not compromise on his valuation.
Ashwin told Cricbuzz:
“That’s the price I wanted as a bare minimum, and I’m happy not to play at this stage of my career if my value isn’t met.”
He further clarified why he honored his word to enter the auction despite already having a BBL offer lined up:
“I was about to pull out a few days before the auction because of the Thunder deal, but since I had already committed to the ILT20 that I would enter the auction, I honoured my word. However, I did not agree to lowering my base price.”
Confirming his availability for the full Australian season, Ashwin added:
“I have signed up with Sydney Thunder for the entire season,” he told Cricbuzz.
Amir clarifies ILT20 absence
While Ashwin’s decision was shaped by valuation and opportunity, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir addressed speculation about his unsold status in the ILT20 auction.
Amir took to Facebook to share a screenshot of the email his camp sent to ILT20 organizers, formally withdrawing his name before the auction. The email read:
“As you may be aware of the recent developments, please treat this email as a notice of withdrawal of Muhammad Amir from the upcoming ILT20 auction.”
The left-arm quick, who had represented Desert Vipers for two seasons, emphasized that his absence was due to his own withdrawal rather than a lack of demand. Despite his explanation, Amir’s name still appeared in the bidding process at a base price of USD 80,000 but found no takers.
Key highlights from the ILT20 auction
The first-ever ILT20 auction saw some high-profile signings alongside several surprising snubs. UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique fetched $170,000 from Sharjah Warriors, making him the top buy among emerging local talents. Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq was signed by MI Emirates for $100,000, while West Indies batter Andre Fletcher commanded $260,000, emerging as one of the costliest picks of the day.
On the Pakistan front, there were mixed fortunes. Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah were both picked by Desert Vipers for $80,000 each, while Hasan Nawaz joined the same franchise for $40,000. However, several big names including Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris went unsold, joining Amir in missing out on the upcoming season.
A tale of two veterans
Ashwin’s BBL move and Amir’s ILT20 clarification highlight two contrasting turns in the careers of seasoned cricketers who continue to command attention on the global franchise circuit.
While Ashwin embarks on a groundbreaking stint in Australia, Amir’s withdrawal adds intrigue to his franchise future — raising questions about whether he will return to the ILT20 in later editions or focus on other leagues worldwide.
