RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN, the renowned Indian off-spinner, announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) last week and expressed interest in exploring opportunities in global T20 leagues.
According to Cricbuzz, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg reached out to Ashwin shortly after the veteran spinner’s IPL retirement to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL). Greenberg confirmed the approach and expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of securing a player of Ashwin’s calibre.
“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.
CA is currently exploring how Ashwin could be integrated into the tournament, given that most clubs have already exhausted their salary caps in the draft. A bespoke arrangement—similar to the per-match deals used for David Warner in the past—could be a potential solution.
Ashwin’s participation would be a significant boost for the BBL, which has long struggled to attract marquee overseas stars. An Indian cricketer of Ashwin’s stature, with multiple IPL titles and World Cup victories to his name, would greatly enhance the league’s global profile.
