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

Pakistan confirm squads for white-ball series against South Africa women

1 hr ago

Pakistan have named their squads for both the T20I and ODI series for their upcoming tour of South Africa, confirming that Fatima Sana will continue to lead the team in both formats. Pakistan Women have brought in a fresh phase of rebuilding by naming uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and fast bowler Humna Bilal in their T20I squad....


News

"We keep talking about developing him": Indian coach gives brutal assessment of Nitish Reddy's performance

2 hrs ago

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an honest assessment in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rajkot. Doeschate spoke candidly on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances while also flagging concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s match readiness.

Reddy, who was the only change in India’s playing XI for the seco...


News

Canada unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad

3 hrs ago

Canada have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain and will lead the side as they look to make an impact on the global stage. 

Canada are featuring in Group D, alongside South Africa, New Ze...


News

Pakistan to host Australia ahead of T20I World Cup 2026

4 hrs ago

Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series in the build-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The series will be crucial for both sides in their preparations for the global event. 

This will also mark Australia’s return to T20 cricket in Pakistan after a four-year gap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ...


News

WPL 2026: Struggling UP Warriorz lock horns with high-flying MI

4 hrs ago

UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians are ready to cross swords in the eighth match of the ongoing WPL 2026 encounter, scheduled to be played on Thursday in Navi Mumbai. Both sides head into the contest from contrasting positions on the points table. On one hand, UP Warriorz are still searching for a win, and on the other, Mumbai Indians are brimming with confidence w...