Former India international Ravichandran Ashwin’s debut in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 season has been delayed. The off-spin bowler suffered a knee injury while training in Chennai in preparation for the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin was set to become first internationally capped Indian player to in the BBL 2025-2026 season signing for the Sydney Thunder. There were huge expectations among the Thunder fans after the signing of the Indian veteran.
Ashwin Ruled Out of BBL 2025-2026
But on November 4, the prospect of seeing Ashwin playing down under was crushed as the spin bowler suffered a knee injury while training in Chennai and had to go through a surgery. His recovery timeframe has meant that he won’t be able to participate in the entire BBL15 campaign.
“Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery,” Sydney Thunder’s general manager Trent Copeland was quoted as saying.
He also added that while Ashwin won’t be able to take the field with the team, they are hopeful to have him on the dug-out in a non-playing capacity, “From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL|15.”
Big Bash League 2025-2026 Key Dates
The upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 season schedule has already been released. Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions beating Sydney Thunder in the final last season.
The BBL15 campaign will begin on 14th December with the two of the most successful teams in the competition going against each other as Sydney Sixers take on Perth Scorchers.
There will be a total of 40 league phase matches. Following that, the knockout phase will begin from 20 January and the BBL 2025-2026 Final match will be played on January 25.
Ashwin Retired from IPL in 2025
According to BCCI’s rules and regulations, no Indian player can play any T20 leagues outside of the IPL until the player has officially retired from all forms of cricket.
Ashwin retired from International cricket in early 2025 and followed that with retirement from IPL and all forms of cricket in India after a dismal campaign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 campaign.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer returned to his home franchise after a gap of 10 years. But it was a disappointing homecoming, at a spin-friendly track at the Chepauk Stadium, Ashwin managed to take 7 wickets in 9 matches.
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