Ashwin Set for BBL Debut After IPL Retirement, Could Become First High-Profile Indian in League

Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to take a bold new step in his cricketing journey, with the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia likely to be his first overseas assignment later this year. If the move materialises, the 38-year-old will become the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the BBL.

While there had been earlier reports linking Ashwin with The Hundred, especially with IPL franchises set to take control of the tournament next year, and an entry into the ILT20 auction, the BBL opportunity appears to be moving forward most rapidly. According to insiders, Cricket Australia (CA) has already made contact with Ashwin, and discussions are ongoing.

Confirming the interest, CA CEO Todd Greenberg told Cricbuzz,
“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.”

Ashwin’s inclusion would mark a significant moment for the BBL, which has long struggled to attract Indian talent due to restrictions by the BCCI. His stature, experience, and tactical acumen would not only boost the league’s profile but also add depth to any team’s spin department.

Ashwin bid farewell to the IPL after the 2025 season, drawing curtains on a remarkable 16-year career in the league. Having debuted with Chennai Super Kings in 2009, he went on to become a mainstay in Indian T20 cricket, turning out for Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab, and Rajasthan Royals over the years.

He returned to CSK in IPL 2025, a high-profile reunion that came at a hefty price of INR 9.75 crore. However, the reunion didn’t yield the expected returns—Ashwin took just seven wickets in nine matches, falling short of expectations. That said, he bounced back strongly in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025, where he finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker, reaffirming his enduring quality as an all-rounder.

Ashwin ends his IPL career with 187 wickets from 221 matches, leaving behind a legacy as one of the league’s most intelligent and consistent performers.

As Ashwin eyes the global T20 circuit, a successful BBL stint could open doors for more Indian cricketers in overseas leagues, potentially redefining the dynamics of player participation in global franchise cricket. While his stints in The Hundred and ILT20 remain possibilities, all signs point to Australia as the first stop in his post-IPL chapter.