Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
Ravichandran Ashwin could become the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), with discussions underway for the upcoming season.
While the complete details of this development are yet to come out, CA is weighing options on how to accommodate Ashwin, given that most teams have already exhausted their salary caps in the draft. A bespoke deal similar to the per-match contract offered to David Warner previously is under consideration. Speculation suggests Ashwin could be Melbourne-bound, but no final call has been taken.
CA Todd Greenberg: R Ashwin would be great for the BBL
Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed that he had approached Ashwin shortly after the veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) last week. Ashwin, who had hinted earlier at exploring overseas franchise cricket, is now being viewed as a potential marquee signing for the BBL.
“To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels. He’s a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer,” Greenberg said to Cricbuzz.
The league has struggled to consistently attract top overseas names, and an Indian cricketer of his calibre with multiple IPL titles and World Cup victories would significantly boost its global reach, particularly in South Asia.
Ashwin announced his IPL retirement after a 16-year-long career, closing a chapter that began with Chennai Super Kings in 2009. His final appearance also came in the yellow jersey this year after CSK bought him back for Rs 9.75 crore following a decade-long gap. Over the course of 221 matches, he picked 187 wickets at an average of 30.22 and contributed 833 runs with the bat.
The 38-year-old had earlier retired from international cricket during India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia, finishing as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 scalps, behind only Anil Kumble.
If the deal materialises, Ashwin’s move to the BBL will be a landmark moment for Indian cricketers’ participation in global franchise cricket.
