R Ashwin made history on Thursday as the first big-name Indian cricketer to join the Big Bash League, signing with the Sydney Thunder. After recently retiring from the Indian Premier League, Ashwin is now free to play in leagues around the world. The star off-spinner retired from international cricket during last year’s Australia tour. He’s 39 and will play in the second half of the BBL, from December 14 to January 25.
Ashwin said, Thunder were really clear about my role and they were willing to support it. My talks with the leaders went great and we agreed on what I’ll be doing. He told cricket.com.au, “I like Dave Warner’s style and it helps when the leader sees things the same way. I’m excited to play for the Thunder Nation.
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Thunder general manager Trent Copeland called it the biggest signing in BBL history. “This could be the biggest signing in BBL history – he’s the first Indian legend and a huge star,” Copeland said. “He’s super competitive but what struck me was before I brought up our club he said, ‘I was impressed by what Sam Billings did for you last year as the overseas player.’ He said if he played there he’d want to positively impact Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green.
Ashwin will be the first male cricketer from India to play in the competition. Unmukt Chand and Nikhil Chaudhary, who were born in India, played in the BBL after moving overseas. Ashwin is also in the ILT20 auction and will join the Thunder after it ends on January 4 for the rest of the season. The BCCI doesn’t allow active Indian players to participate in foreign leagues if they’re still playing for the national side or the IPL.
In his successful India career, Ashwin became the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 wickets, just behind Anil Kumble’s 619. In the IPL, Ashwin played 221 matches, taking 187 wickets at 30.22, with his best being 4/34. He also scored 833 runs, with a highest score of 50.
