The off-spinner Ravichandan Ashwin has been involved in talks with Cricket Australia for a record-breaking stint in the BBL, which comes after his IPL retirement.
It is stated that Cricket Australia has reached out to Ashwin to gauge his interest in joining one of the eight BBL franchises.
The chief executive Todd Greenberg has been in discusiion with the 38-year old. The BBL has been desperate to sign an Indian star since the competition’s inception in 2011.
A two-time IPL champion, Ashwin’s inclusion in the BBL could boost up increase in fans and TV ratings.
It is expected to one of the four franchises across Melbourne and Sydney would make the most sense give the huge Indian expat population living in those cities.
Ravichandran Ashwin has picked 537 wickets in 106 tests, and often troubles Australian team in Indian conditions.
He was part of the Indian squad which travelled to Australia last summer to play five match test series in Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He retired from the traditional format after the third test and returned home to India. Despite the BBL draft completed in June, CA could still find a creative spot for Ashwin.
Last week, Ashwin said, “My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today.”
With Ashwin no longer tied to Indian cricket, the hierarchy in the country would not be able to stop him.
Meanwhile, Pakistan stars Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are set to play in the BBL this summer, but Ashwin’s inclusion might be a bigger news for the cricket fans.
“To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels,” said Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg.
“He’s a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer.”
