Ravichandran Ashwin Could Become First Senior Indian in BBL

Ravichandran Ashwin is said to be in discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) about a possible move to the Big Bash League (BBL). If this happens, he will be the first senior Indian men’s cricketer to play in the Australian T20 league, a move that could mark a big moment for both Indian and Australian cricket.

As per Cricbuzz, the talks are for the next season of the league, starting on December 15. Most teams have already finished building their squads and used up most of their budgets during the pre-season drafts. Still, Cricket Australia is trying to find a way to bring Ashwin into the tournament. They have held discussions with both Ashwin and the teams already. The report said while all eight teams could sign him at this stage, the player is likely to prefer one of the Melbourne-based sides, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.

Ashwin in Talks for Possible Big Bash League Move

“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," Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg told the website.

Ashwin is the kind of player any special deal would be worth. He’s hugely popular in India and his presence in the BBL would automatically draw massive attention from fans across the subcontinent, which is cricket’s biggest market and one that every league outside the IPL is chasing.

Ashwin’s Move Could Open Doors for Indians in BBL

On top of that, he could bring in extra sponsorships. His involvement might also inspire more retired Indian players to join the league in the future. That could be huge for BBL, which has long sought Indian participation in it.

While the Women’s Big Bash League has seen several high-profile names like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues over the years, the BBL has only seen Unmukt Chand, the former India under-19 captain who never made it to the senior side. The BCCI doesn’t allow active Indian men’s cricketers to participate outside IPL.

The report also mentioned that Ashwin is interested in taking up coaching roles in the BBL. He wants to keep learning and improving, even after he retires from playing.

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