David Warner's Sydney Thunder signs R Ashwin for BBL 2025/26

Arnav Chopra

R Ashwin (Source: @IPL/X.com)R Ashwin (Source: @IPL/X.com)

In what is coming as massive news, former Indian off-spinning legend Ravichandran Ashwin has signed a historic deal with Big Bash League (BBL) club Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season. Previously, there were reports of Ashwin having talks with four different BBL sides.

R Ashwin to feature for Thunder in BBL

In news unleashed by Code Sports, Indian off-spinning legend Ravichandran Ashwin, who bid adieu to domestic cricket in August this year, has finally signed a deal with Sydney Thunder, led by David Warner, for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

This news comes on the back of the fact that Ashwin was in talks with four different sides, namely Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes, and Adelaide Strikers. Considering Ashwin was also in talks with Hobart Hurricanes coach Ricky Ponting, he has finally been pursued by the skipper of the Thunder, David Warner, for the upcoming season.

The upcoming Big Bash season will commence on December 14th and will end on January 25th, when the finals are slated, while his season will likely begin in January. Interestingly, Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December last year, said goodbye to domestic cricket after featuring in his last Indian Premier League (IPL) season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

After playing in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) for Dindigul Dragons, he decided to hang up his boots from Indian domestic cricket, as he openly confirmed his interest in playing franchise leagues all around the world. Following this, he has been getting deals from all over the world, including the International League T20 (ILT20), where teams are interested in signing him as well.

As for the Sydney Thunder, the side that plays at the Sydney Showdown Stadium, has been the second side based out of Sydney, with the Sydney Sixers being the other. However, as previously reported, Ashwin was keen to sign with Thunder, considering he has a great relationship with David Warner, as both of them have great relationship.

BBL stint to begin only after ILT20 season ends

As for Ashwin, he has registered for the upcoming ILT20 auction, scheduled on October 1st. If picked, he will be featuring in the ILT20 from December 2nd to January 4th, considering his high-chance of playing playoffs. Ashwin, interestingly, has registered for the highest base price of $120,000, which is the highest in this season's auction.

In case Ashwin's side reaches the playoffs in the ILT20, he will only join the Big Bash club Thunder after January 4th, considering which he will only be able to feature in three or four matches at most in the group stage, as it will culminate on January 18th, following which the knockouts will be played. In case his side reaches the play-offs in the Big Bash as well, he will be available for around six to seven matches in total.