In a big blow to both the bowler and the Sydney Thunder, Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL 2025/26). The veteran spinner, who announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, had signed up with the Thunder for an entire season. Ashwin made the decision after he went unsold in the first round of the ILT20 auction.
No Ashwin in BBL!
As per ESPNCricinfo, Ashwin has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of the BBL due to a knee injury. He was initially scheduled to play just 3-4 matches in the season but later on had decided to play the entire season after he went unsold and then pulled out of the ILT20 auction. Ashwin was set to be one of the biggest high-profile players to feature in the Big Bash League.
“I’m gutted to miss BBL15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent [Copeland, Thunder general manager] and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation. If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year,” Ashwin said in a statement.
After being bagged for Rs 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Ashwin simply failed to justify his price tag. He featured in nine matches where he managed to pick up just 7 wickets and was quite expensive as well. Ashwin explained his decision to retire from the IPL, stating that he wished to pursue other T20 leagues across the globe. It is pertinent to point out that Indian players are allowed to participate in other T20 leagues only if they retire from international cricket and the IPL.
As a result of his injury, Ashwin will now have to wait for another year before he can make his BBL debut for Sydney Thunder.
Sydney Thunders Big Bash League squad 2025/26
David Warner (C), Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Shadab Khan
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Shubman Gill uncertain for IND vs SA Test 2nd, Nitish Reddy joins squad in Kolkata
Top Stories
