Former India Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Expected in Big Bash League and International League T20

Ravichandran Ashwin, the decorated Indian off-spinner, has retired from international cricket and the Indian Premier League, opening opportunities to participate in overseas T20 leagues. He has registered for the International League T20 (ILT20) auction with a base price of $120,000 and is expected to join the Big Bash League (BBL) with Sydney Thunder, becoming the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the competition. Multiple BBL teams, including Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers, and Sydney Sixers, showed interest, but Sydney Thunder secured his services. Ashwin's participation in these leagues marks a new chapter in his career, as BCCI rules prevent active Indian players from competing abroad while involved with the national side or IPL. The ILT20 runs from December 2 to January 4, followed by the BBL from December 15 to January 25, allowing Ashwin to play in both tournaments sequentially. His addition significantly strengthens the Thunder's squad and adds global star power to the BBL, with official announcements expected soon.