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Ashwin to get private security in BBL over potential safety risk from Indian fans: Report

Soumyajit Dutta

Ravichandran Ashwin to get special security [Source: @kunmeet_singh/X.com]Ravichandran Ashwin to get special security [Source: @kunmeet_singh/X.com]

India spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from the IPL, is set to travel Down Under for his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) stint with the Sydney Thunder. However, what caught major attention in this development is that the former CSK star will be provided with private security during his travel, as the BBL franchise is reportedly concerned about the possibility of the spinner being mobbed by Indian fans in Australia.

Ashwin might get mobbed by Indian fans during practice

According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the prospect of Ravichandran Ashwin playing in Western Sydney has been flagged as a potential safety risk, a reflection of his massive stardom both in India and abroad.

"The prospect of the veteran spinner training and playing in western Sydney has been flagged as a potential safety risk. The open nature of Cricket NSW’s facilities at Sydney Olympic Park means Indian fans could mob Ashwin at training. The Thunder have spoken to Cricket Australia to understand what measures need to be in place for an athlete who is hugely popular among Indian fans in Sydney," the report stated.

Ashwin set to document BBL journey with Thunder

Ashwin is scheduled to play three to five games next year and will also feature in the final if the Sydney Thunder qualify. 

“It is the biggest signing in the history of the BBL. It is a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … that we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy. Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment," Sydney Thunder general manager Copeland said on Friday.

Interestingly, Ashwin will bring along his personal crew to document his BBL journey with the Thunder for his YouTube channel. For the unaware, Ashwin enjoys immense popularity on social media, boasting 1.75 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and 5.3 million followers on Instagram.