R Ashwin signed with the Sydney Thunder on Thursday, becoming the first prominent Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League. Ashwin is now eligible to play in tournaments all around the world after announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League.
In the midst of last year’s Australia tour, the great off-spinner bid farewell to international cricket. The 39-year-old will be available for the second half of the BBL, which is set for December 14–25.
“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 was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.”
Trent Copeland, general manager of the Thunder, referred to it as the greatest signing in BBL history.
“I think it’s arguably the biggest signing in BBL history – first Indian legend and an icon of the game,” Copeland said.
“He’s a very competitive guy but one of the most impressive things has been before I even mentioned a thing about our club, he said, ‘I loved what Sam Billings did for you guys last year as the overseas player.
“And if I was to play there, I would really want to make sure I leave a positive impact on Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green’.”
Ashwin will be the first male cricket player from India to play in the tournament. After relocating abroad, Unmukt Chand and Nikhil Chaudhary, who were born in India, participated in the BBL.
Ashwin has also registered for the ILT20 auction, and once it concludes on January 4, he will link up with Sydney Thunder for the latter half of the BBL season.
Under BCCI rules, active Indian players are not allowed to feature in overseas leagues while they remain part of the national setup or the IPL.
With 537 Test wickets, Ashwin became the second-highest wicket-taker in India after a stellar career, after only Anil Kumble’s 619.
Ashwin played in 221 IPL games, taking 187 wickets at 30.22 with best figures of 4/34. In addition, he batted for 833 runs, including a career-high 50-run knock.
