Ravichandran Ashwin set to join Sydney Thunder in historic BBL deal

Indian superstar Ravichandran Ashwin has agreed to a historic contract with the Sydney Thunder, which will be one of the team's biggest purchases in Big Bash League history. He has agreed to a historic contract with the Sydney Thunder, which will be one of the team's biggest purchases in Big Bash League history. 

Ashwin announced his IPL retirement a couple of weeks back, and Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg had approached him to play in the BBL post that. Active Indian men's cricket players are generally prohibited from participating in international leagues by BCCI regulations, but the retired players are allowed to do so.

Ashwin will require an exemption from Cricket Australia, similar to the late approval that allowed Martin Guptill to join the Melbourne Renegades in 2022, as he did not register for this year's BBL foreign draft.

The agreement might revolutionise the BBL. Being one of the most well-liked cricket players in India, Ashwin will undoubtedly draw spectators from the subcontinent, which is the largest market for the sport and where all non-IPL leagues compete. Ashwin would join players like David Warner and Sam Konstas for the next BBL15 season if he signs with the Thunder.

'No deal has been signed as yet, but there have been discussions of a two-year agreement. Ashwin's salary package is expected to be at the very top end of BBL deals that currently max out around $400,000, with payment split between the Thunder and Cricket Australia’s marketing pool,' said a report in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Given the long-standing restriction on active Indian players playing in foreign franchise leagues, his entry into the BBL is regarded as a historic milestone for both the competition and Indian cricket. If the deal goes through, Ashwin will be among the top foreign players for the upcoming campaign, giving the Thunder team more talent and star power as they look to turn things around and win their second championship since their first victory in the 2015–16 campaign.

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