Ashwin Joins Full BBL Season After Skipping ILT20

Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to participate in the entire Big Bash League (BBL) season, playing all matches for the Sydney Thunder. Initially, he planned to join for a limited number of league games and the playoffs but opted to be available for the entire tournament. The BBL 2025 is scheduled from December 14 to January 25.

Ashwin’s full involvement in the BBL follows his unsold status in the ILT20 auction’s first round, which took place on Wednesday. Rejecting participation at a lower pay, he retracted his name from subsequent auction rounds.

During the ILT20 auction, Ashwin set his base price at $120,000, the highest among participants, though he was disappointed by the outcome. “That was my minimum price expectation, and if it’s not met, I’m comfortable not playing at this stage of my career,” Ashwin conveyed to Cricbuzz. While a chance remained in later rounds, he chose not to proceed.

Ashwin mentioned he nearly withdrew before the auction due to the deal with Sydney Thunder but adhered to his commitment to the ILT20 by entering the auction. However, he was firm on retaining his base price.

On Thursday, Ashwin confirmed his complete season commitment to the Sydney Thunder. “I signed with Sydney Thunder for the whole season,” he stated. Despite his earlier verbal agreement with ILT20, the BBL and Thunder granted him an exception, contingent upon maintaining his price. Coached by Trevor Bayliss, Thunder ended up third last season.