R Ashwin ruled out of BBL 2025-26

R Ashwin has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) due to knee surgery. He was signed by the Sydney Thunder for the 2025-26 season. The veteran spinner was gutted to miss the opportunity to play in Australia.

Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL allowed him to play in overseas leagues, and he had committed to play the entire season after he went unsold in the ILT20 auction.

“I’m gutted to miss BBL,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Sydney Thunder. “I am focusing on recovery. I want to thank the Thunder Family and fans for their love and warmth. Trent (Copeland, Sydney Thunder general manager) and the management made me feel part of the franchise from our first conversation. I would like to be with the team and meet fans in the second half of the tournament. Wishing Thunder teams a big year,” he added.

“Everyone was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury and his absence from the Big Bash League. We wish him a speedy recovery. He was committed to Thunder. We still want him to be a part of BBL 15, and we are hopeful of having him back to meet our fans,” Trent Copeland said.