BBL move on the cards for Ravichandran Ashwin: Reports
Seasoned all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin rounded off his exit from the Indian cricket setup earlier this week. The spin wizard announced his IPL retirement on Monday, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious career in the T20 league. This move followed his international retirement, which Ashwin had announced late last year during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. While the 38-year-old will be greatly missed in the IPL, the decision has freed him from his obligations to the BCCI. His IPL exit now makes Ashwin available to feature in various leagues across the globe. Meanwhile, the spinner already seems to have his next challenge lined up, with Australia’s Big Bash League touted as his most likely destination.
BBL could be the next stop for Ravichandran Ashwin after IPL retirement
Several leagues around the world have sprung into action after Ravichandran Ashwin announced his IPL retirement earlier this week. Barely a week after announcing his decision on social media, the veteran off-spinner has already been linked with three overseas leagues. Following speculation around The Hundred and the ILT20, reports now suggest that Ashwin is also in discussions with Cricket Australia for a stint in the Big Bash League.
According to a recent report, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg personally reached out to Ashwin soon after the 38-year-old confirmed his retirement from the IPL last week. The former CSK pick had hinted in his farewell statement that he wished to become an “explorer of the game” by testing his skills in leagues around the world. Meanwhile, the BBL could well serve as the first step toward that ambition. Still, key decisions remain, whether Cricket Australia can structure the move, how many matches Ashwin will commit to, and which franchise will ultimately secure his services.
The report indicated that Melbourne could be his likely destination if the deal materialises. Greenberg has already acknowledged that talks with Ashwin are underway. His next challenge, however, will be convincing the eight BBL franchises to accommodate the Indian star. Most of the BBL teams having already committed the bulk of their salary caps during the player draft. Nevertheless, CA appears determined to push through the move, knowing that signing Ashwin would be a landmark moment.
"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," the CA CEO said.
If finalized, Ashwin would become the first Indian male cricketer to feature in the BBL. The move could only benefit the Australian T20 league, widening its appeal in India, home to the most passionate cricket audience. Moreover, Ashwin's arrival in the BBL could pave the way for more Indian cricketers to head to Australia, as several stalwarts now approach the twilight of their IPL careers.
The reported move, however, would come at the cost of Ashwin’s potential involvement in the ILT20. While the UAE-based tournament is set to run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the BBL season overlaps, beginning December 14, 2025, and extending until January 25, 2026. Choosing Australia would effectively rule him out of the ILT20 campaign.
