Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has contacted Ravichandran Ashwin about the possibility of the Indian cricketer joining the Big Bash League, following his retirement from the Indian Premier League. Ashwin’s move to become a free agent has opened up opportunities for him to explore other T20 leagues, with Greenberg reaching out to him to gauge his interest in playing in the BBL.
The potential signing of Ashwin would be a significant acquisition for the BBL, which has struggled to attract top international players in the past. The Melbourne Stars are reportedly interested in pursuing Ashwin, given the growing south Asian population in the city and the lack of a specialist finger spinner in their squad. The Sydney Thunder is also a possible destination due to the spin-friendly conditions at Sydney Showground.
However, there are logistical challenges to overcome, such as the already completed overseas player draft and salary cap constraints. If Ashwin were to join a BBL team, he would likely have to be signed as a replacement player, and one of the team’s existing international players may need to make way for him in the starting XI.
Ashwin, a two-time IPL champion, retired from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last summer. He would be the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the BBL, following in the footsteps of Unmukt Chand, who represented the Melbourne Renegades in the 2021/22 season. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes more Indian players may follow Ashwin’s lead in the future.
The 15th edition of the BBL is set to begin on December 14, with the potential inclusion of Ashwin adding excitement to the upcoming season.
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