Ashwin to play full BBL|15 season

Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has confirmed his full availability Sydney Thunder’s KFC BBL|15 campaign, including Finals.

His extended availability – having previously signed on for the January portion of BBL|15 – encompasses all games this season, including Thunder’s home games at ENGIE Stadium and both Corroboree Group Manuka Oval fixtures.

Ashwin will become the first capped male Indian player to play for a BBL club on December 16 when Thunder travels to Hobart for a BBL|14 Final rematch against the Hurricanes, before making his first home appearance in the Sydney Smash on December 20.

Trent Copeland, Sydney Thunder General Manager, said:

“Ashwin’s decision to play the full BBL|15 season with Sydney Thunder is another exciting moment for our club, members and fans leading into a huge summer of Big Bash.

“From the outset, we put an offer to Ashwin to bring him to Western Sydney for the entire BBL|15 season. Following the initial announcement of his signing, conversations progressed quickly and it was a no brainer from Thunder’s perspective to bring him in for the whole tournament.

“This decision demonstrates Ashwin’s commitment to our club and what we’re trying to build. We’re delighted to be bringing in an icon of the game – a leader and world class player on-field, and someone who will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation.

“We can’t wait to welcome him to Western Sydney in December.”

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 Squad To Date:   

Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner. 

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 Home Matches: 

• V Sydney Sixers | Saturday, December 20 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 
• V Brisbane Heat | Monday, December 22 | 7:15pm | Corroboree Group Manuka Oval 
• V Melbourne Stars | Sunday, December 28 | 7:15pm | Corroboree Group Manuka Oval 
• V Perth Scorchers | Tuesday, December 30 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 
• V Hobart Hurricanes | Saturday, January 3 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 
• V Melbourne Renegades | Monday, January 12 | 7:15 | ENGIE Stadium