Just a week after officially retiring from the Indian Premier League (IPL), veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin could be heading to Australia to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Cricket Australia (CA) has already initiated conversations with the off-spinner to explore the possibility of his participation in the upcoming BBL season.
Cricket Australia Keen on Ashwin’s Inclusion in BBL 2025
CA chief Todd Greenberg confirmed that he has reached out to Ashwin shortly after the bowler announced his decision to step away from the IPL and Indian domestic cricket. The idea is to bring the experienced campaigner into the BBL setup, potentially boosting the league’s global appeal.
“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,” Greenberg told Cricbuzz.
Ashwin, one of India’s most successful all-rounders, could add significant value to the BBL both on and off the field. His experience, tactical intelligence, and global fan base make him a prized addition.
Salary Cap Challenges and Match-by-Match Option
While the interest is strong, there’s a logistical hurdle that Cricket Australia will need to navigate. Most of the eight BBL teams have already spent a large portion of their salary cap, leaving limited room for high-profile signings.
One potential solution being considered is offering Ashwin a per-match contract, similar to what David Warner received two seasons ago. Warner was reportedly paid around AUD 80,000 per match, a structure that could make Ashwin’s signing financially feasible.
If successful, Ashwin would become one of the few Indian stars to feature in overseas leagues post-IPL. Recently, Dinesh Karthik played for the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league, signaling a growing trend among senior Indian cricketers looking to extend their playing careers abroad.
In addition to BBL interest, reports suggest that Ashwin is also in talks to join the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, showing that demand for his services remains high globally.
