Ravichandran Ashwin to feature in both BBL and ILT20

Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo source: Getty Images)

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to create history by featuring in both the International League T20 (ILT20) and the Big Bash League (BBL) later this year. Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket, Ashwin is now eligible to participate in overseas leagues, and his name is already grabbing eyeballs among franchises in Australia and the UAE.

Historically, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has restricted active Indian cricketers from joining overseas T20 leagues. Only retired players have been permitted, with the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Dinesh Karthik. Ashwin’s exit from IPL cricket has opened the door for him to join multiple international tournaments.

The Tamil Nadu-born has confirmed his registration for the first-ever ILT20 player auction, scheduled for October 1 in Dubai. The league, set to run from December 2 to January 4, has shifted to an auction model, bringing base price tiers and Right-to-Match options. Ashwin, who has been in discussions with ILT20 officials since August, is expected to be one of the headline signings.

Four BBL franchises are competing for Ashwin’s services

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has been in talks to bring Ashwin to the BBL. According to a Cricbuzz report, four franchises, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, and Adelaide Strikers, are competing for his services. Thunder and Hurricanes are seen as frontrunners, with a deal likely to be finalized soon. If confirmed, the spinner will become the first capped male Indian player to feature in the BBL, a milestone for both the league and Indian cricket.

However, managing his schedule between the two leagues will be important. The ILT20 concludes on January 4, while the BBL runs from December 14 to January 25. This overlap could see Ashwin miss the early stages of the BBL but could be available for the final league games and the playoffs. Furthermore, discussions suggest that his BBL contract may also cover the 2026-27 season.

Notably, each BBL side is restricted to three overseas players in their XI, with four additional replacement signings allowed. Ashwin, who did not initially nominate for the overseas draft, could still be signed under the league’s exemption rule, similar to how Martin Guptill and Nat Sciver-Brunt were cleared in previous seasons.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.