TOP STORIES

Ravichandran Ashwin signs historic deal with Sydney Thunder

Thursday, 25-Sep-2025, 10:22 AM
News

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially signed with Sydney Thunder for the upcoming 2025-26 BBL season. This landmark move marks the first time a capped Indian player will feature in Australia’s premier T20 competition. Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket and his withdrawal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year made it possible for him to pursue opportunities abroad. Ashwin, meanwhile, won’t be available for the entire BBL season, as he is already committed to participating in the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, scheduled from December 2 to January 4. He has signed with the Thunder for the second half of the season in January, including finals should they qualify.

“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 said in a Sydney Thunder release.

“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,” Ashwin said.

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series last year in Australia, closing out his international career with 765 wickets in 287 matches across all three formats.

“I am so proud that Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder. From the first time we spoke, Ashwin impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, desire to win and understanding of what makes our club special. He will bring an injection of fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his presence as a leader and mentor will be invaluable for our young players," Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said.

Tags

More News

News

NZ vs WI, 1st T20I: All you need to know, head-to-head, playing XI

51 mins ago

New Zealand are gearing up to host West Indies in a high-voltage five-match T20I series, set to kick off in Auckland on Wednesday. New Zealand, who will be led by ever-reliable Mitchell Santner, will be eager to rediscover their winning touch in the shortest format, following a tough run of results against England and Australia earlier this yea...


News

Jitesh Sharma to lead India A in Rising Stars Asia Cup

2 hrs ago

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is slated to lead India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup set to be held from November 14 to November 23 in Qatar. Naman Dhir has been named his deputy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad that also features the likes of Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera and Ramandeep Singh.

Fi...


News

Tom Moody to join Lucknow Super Giants as global director of cricket: Reports

3 hrs ago

Tom Moody is set to assume the role of Global Director of Cricket at Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2026 IPL season, according to ESPNcricinfo. The position will have him take overarching responsibility for LSG in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the sister franchise Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, and the Manchester-based team in The Hun...


News

RCB appoint Anya Shrubsole as bowling coach ahead of WPL 2026

3 hrs ago

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reportedly appointed former England pace-ace Anya Shrubsole as the new bowling coach ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The latest development comes amid the elevation of long-time assistant and former Tamil Nadu spinner Malolan Rangarajan to the role of head coach. Malolan Rangarajan has been promoted to the...


News

New Zealand's Tim Seifert out of West Indies T20Is with broken finger

4 hrs ago

New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is set to miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies with a broken finger. New Zealand have called up Mitch Hay to the squad as Seifert’s replacement. Seifert picked up the injury after being rapped by a delivery while batting for Northern Districts in the Ford Trophy for Northern Districts ag...