Ashwin to Play Full BBL Season with Sydney Thunder
- Ravi Ashwin, a prominent Indian cricketer with 187 IPL wickets and an economy rate of 7.2, went unsold in the ILT20 auction despite listing a maximum base price.
- Ashwin had a "verbal" agreement with ILT20 to participate in the 2025-26 edition, scheduled between December 2 and January 4.
- He received a favorable offer from the Sydney Thunder but honored his initial verbal commitment to ILT20 by entering the auction with a minimum price requirement.
Ravi Ashwin Chooses BBL Over ILT20, Sets New Precedent for Indian Cricketers
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Ashwin’s Decision and ILT20 Auction
Ravi Ashwin, a prominent Indian cricketer with 187 IPL wickets and an economy rate of 7.2, went unsold in the ILT20 auction despite listing a maximum base price. He was part of Set 5 for allrounders, but none of the six franchises placed a bid, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo. Ashwin had previously requested ILT20 organizers to remove his name from the second round of bidding for unsold players.
Verbal Agreement and BBL Opportunity
Ashwin had a “verbal” agreement with ILT20 to participate in the 2025-26 edition, scheduled between December 2 and January 4. Though, with direct signings closed in July, Ashwin sought a specific bid amount in the ILT20 auction.When it became clear that bid wasn’t forthcoming, he opted to explore opportunities in the Big Bash League (BBL), as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
He received a favorable offer from the Sydney Thunder but honored his initial verbal commitment to ILT20 by entering the auction with a minimum price requirement. Ashwin stated he was prepared to join the BBL if his price expectations weren’t met.
Historic BBL Deal and Cricket Australia’s Enthusiasm
Ashwin ultimately secured a deal with a BBL franchise, becoming the first capped Indian cricketer to do so. Several BBL teams, including Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, and Sydney Thunder, had expressed interest in signing him, according to ESPNcricinfo. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg highlighted the importance of Ashwin’s inclusion in the BBL,describing him as a “breath of fresh air” and anticipating positive engagement from fans,as reported by ESPNcricinfo.