Ravichandran Ashwin has made history, becoming the first Indian men’s international cricketer to sign with a BBL club, joining Sydney Thunder for KFC BBL|15.
The 39-year-old spin legend is set to join the Thunder squad in early January, adding experience, leadership, and global star power as the club pushes for consecutive BBL Finals appearances.
Historic signing for Thunder and BBL
In what is being hailed as the most significant overseas signing in BBL history, Ashwin’s arrival marks a new chapter for the league. While many Indian women have played in WBBL, Ashwin will be the first Indian male player to appear in the Big Bash League.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role.” Ashwin said.
A career of international milestones
Across 287 international matches for India, Ashwin has taken 765 wickets, including 537 Test wickets—ranking him eighth all-time in Test cricket history. He has also lifted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, and was named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
In the IPL, Ashwin is one of the tournament’s most experienced figures, playing 221 matches across 16 seasons for five different franchises. He ranks fifth all-time in IPL wickets with 187 dismissals and won titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011.
Leadership and local impact
Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland emphasized Ashwin’s role off the field as much as on it:
“He will bring an injection of fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his presence as a leader and mentor will be invaluable for our young players.”
Copeland also highlighted Ashwin’s connection with Western Sydney’s Indian diaspora as a key part of the club’s vision: “Ashwin’s signing will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation.”
Thunder’s BBL|15 campaign and squad
Before Ashwin’s arrival, Thunder kick off their BBL|15 season on December 16 with a Grand Final re-match against the Hobart Hurricanes. Their first home game is the blockbuster Sydney Smash against the Sixers on December 20 at ENGIE Stadium.
🟢 Sydney Thunder Squad for BBL|15 (to date):
- Ravichandran Ashwin (IND)
- David Warner
- Sam Billings (ENG)
- Lockie Ferguson (NZ)
- Shadab Khan (PAK)
- Wes Agar
- Tom Andrews
- Cameron Bancroft
- Ollie Davies
- Matthew Gilkes
- Chris Green
- Ryan Hadley
- Sam Konstas
- Nathan McAndrew
- Blake Nikitaras
- Daniel Sams
- Tanveer Sangha
🏟️ Sydney Thunder Home Matches – BBL|15:
- Vs Sydney Sixers – Dec 20 – ENGIE Stadium
- Vs Brisbane Heat – Dec 22 – Manuka Oval
- Vs Melbourne Stars – Dec 28 – Manuka Oval
- Vs Perth Scorchers – Dec 30 – ENGIE Stadium
- Vs Hobart Hurricanes – Jan 3 – ENGIE Stadium
- Vs Melbourne Renegades – Jan 12 – ENGIE Stadium
Tickets are now on sale for all Thunder home games. Don’t miss the chance to witness Ashwin’s BBL debut and be part of a new era for the club.
