• Ashwin 'gutted' to miss BBL

    Published on

    Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of Australia’s Big Bash League after knee surgery.

    The 39-year-old, who signed for Sydney Thunder in September, misses out on becoming the first Indian international to feature in the T20 event.

    “I’m gutted to miss BBL,” he said in a statement. “My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me.”

    The BCCI does not allow any current player in Indian international or domestic cricket to feature in overseas leagues.

    But Ashwin retired in December during India’s Test tour of Australia and quit the IPL in August, freeing him up.

    “Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL, and we wish him well in his recovery,” said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.

    Ashwin, who played for five IPL franchises, finished his India career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24.00.

    He also played 116 ODIand 65 T20Is.

    The BBL gets under way on 14 December.

    Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

    Post by

    Simon Borchardt