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Photograph: (Source: @cricbuzz X)
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Later this year, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will make history by playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the International League T20 (ILT20). Ashwin is now qualified to play in foreign leagues after retiring from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket, and teams in Australia and the United Arab Emirates are already taking notice of him.
ESPNCricinfo reports that Ashwin has received offers from several BBL franchises. The Indian spinner has drawn interest from the Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes, and Sydney Thunder. Ashwin made his resignation from the Indian Premier League and his retirement from international cricket known earlier this year. This allowed him to participate in franchise-based competitions outside of India.
Ravichandran Ashwin Set for Double Stint:
Ravichandran Ashwin is the Most valuable indian Player in upcoming ILT20 and Big Bash League.
— Cric Venky (@VenkyK_Offic) September 23, 2025
If he plays these two leagues.. definitely it will be interesting.. Few former players ready to contribute foreign leagues.#ashwin#ravichandranAshwin#Cricketpic.twitter.com/k1udP1mETb
Active Indian cricket players have historically been prohibited from participating in international T20 leagues by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Only retired players, including Dinesh Karthik, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, and Ambati Rayudu, are allowed. Since leaving the IPL, Ashwin has been able to participate in a number of international competitions.
The UAE hosts the ILT20, a six-team competition that includes teams like the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Sharjah Warriors, and Desert Vipers. If Ashwin is successful under the hammer, he will play for one of these six teams in the competition. Ashwin also registered for the Hong Kong Sixes competition last week; this was officially announced by Cricket Hong Kong.
Notably, each BBL team is only permitted to have three foreign players in their starting lineup, with four more replacements permitted. Similar to how Martin Guptill and Nat Sciver-Brunt were exempted in prior seasons, Ashwin, who did not initially nominate for the foreign draft, may still be signed under the league's exemption clause.
Watch this space for more cricket news and updates.
