R Ashwin in Talks with Cricket Australia for Big Bash League; Could Pave Way for Kohli & Rohit

After announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has attracted global attention from several T20 leagues. Following links to The Hundred and the ILT20, Ashwin is now reportedly in discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) for a move to the Big Bash League (BBL) in Melbourne.

According to reports from Cricbuzz, CA CEO Todd Greenberg contacted Ashwin shortly after his IPL retirement. Ashwin had expressed his interest in exploring cricket opportunities across various leagues, and the BBL could serve as his first international venture outside India. If the deal materializes, Ashwin, 38, will become the first Indian male cricketer to play in the BBL.

Greenberg noted, “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.” Discussions with BBL franchises are ongoing, as most teams have already spent much of their salary budgets during the draft.

Ashwin’s potential BBL move could also snub the ILT20, which was scheduled from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The BBL, on the other hand, will run from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Greenberg added that Ashwin has expressed interest in coaching and skill development, using this opportunity to further his knowledge of the game in a new environment.

This historic step not only opens the door for Ashwin but may also create opportunities for other Indian cricket icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the BBL in the future.