Not ILT20!! Ravichandran Ashwin stuns fans with his choice of overseas league after retirement

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly in advanced talks to join the Big Bash League (BBL) and could become the first Indian cricketer to play in the T20 tournament. Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ashwin is now eligible to participate in overseas T20 leagues.

Ashwin has made a significant mark in T20 cricket, including international games, domestic tournaments, and franchise leagues. The off-spinner has taken 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches at an average of 26.94, including four four-wicket hauls, with a respectable economy rate of 7.11.

Apart from bowling, he has scored 1,233 runs in 139 innings at an average of 14.50 and a strike rate of 119.59, including a half-century. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer is a key player in T20 cricket.

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Ravichandran Ashwin in Talks with Cricket Australia to Play BBL 2025-26

According to Cricbuzz, Ravichandran Ashwin could become the first Indian cricketer to play in Australia’s Big Bash League. The 38-year-old retired from the IPL in August to explore opportunities in overseas T20 leagues, including roles as a player and coach.

Following his retirement, Ashwin has held discussions with multiple cricket boards. Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has confirmed talks about Ashwin potentially joining the upcoming BBL season, which starts on December 15.

Although most teams have already finalized their squads and budgets, Cricket Australia is exploring ways to accommodate the veteran spinner. Greenberg said that Ashwin’s presence would benefit the Big Bash.

“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 told Cricbuzz.

Ravichandran Ashwin Expected to Play Limited Matches

Ravichandran Ashwin may not participate in the entire tournament and is expected to feature in a limited number of matches. The team he might represent has not yet been confirmed.

No Indian player has competed in the BBL before. Former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand played in the league, but he did so after moving to the USA and retiring from Indian cricket.

In the past, legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh were reportedly approached or expressed interest in the BBL, but it did not materialize. Ashwin, who played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, has the chance to become the first Indian to feature in the Australian T20 competition.

Ravichandran Ashwin Could Join a Melbourne-Based BBL Franchise

The report further added that Ravichandran Ashwin could join a Melbourne-based franchise like the Melbourne Stars or Melbourne Renegades. CA is exploring flexible arrangements to accommodate him, similar to past one-off contracts given to David Warner, who was reportedly paid per match.

Ashwin’s participation could open doors for other Indian players to consider overseas T20 leagues after the IPL. The spinner could earn around Rs 45 lakh per match, with over 3 crore if he plays half the season, along with additional opportunities from brand endorsements.

Apart from playing, Ashwin is keen to explore coaching roles in the BBL and use the experience to further develop his skills. He may also feature in the upcoming ILT20 next year.

Also read: Zimbabwe T20I squad for Sri Lanka series officially announced; Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams return