After featuring in discussions around The Hundred and the ILT20, R. Ashwin is now reportedly in talks with Cricket Australia for a potential move to the Big Bash League (BBL).
Ravichandran Ashwin Eyes Big Bash League After IPL Retirement
Having recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ravichandran, now no longer contracted with the BCCI, has attracted interest from leagues across the globe. Within just a week of his surprise announcement on social media, Ashwin has been linked to three overseas tournaments. Following The Hundred and ILT20, he is reportedly in discussions with Cricket Australia for a potential move to the Big Bash League (BBL).
According to Cricbuzz, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg reached out to Ashwin shortly after his IPL retirement. In his statement, the senior spinner had expressed a desire to become an “explorer of the game around various leagues,” and the BBL could mark his first step. However, final arrangements depend on CA’s approval, Ashwin’s availability, and which franchise he would join. If confirmed, Melbourne is expected to be his destination.
Greenberg confirmed the contact and said, “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.”
R. Ashwin Poised for Historic BBL Move
Greenberg’s next major task will be negotiating with all franchises to secure a deal for R. Ashwin, despite most teams having already spent their salary caps during the draft. Cricket Australia is determined to pull off the move, which would make Ashwin the first Indian male cricketer to play in the BBL. This step could not only attract South Asia’s cricket-hungry audience but also pave the way for stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in the league in the future.
The report added that Ashwin has “expressed his desire to Greenberg about pursuing coaching ambitions and using every opportunity he gets to hone his skills as he steps into uncharted waters.”
However, joining the BBL would mean skipping the ILT20, previously linked to him. ILT20 Season 4 is set to run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, while the BBL will take place between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.
