‘It’s the biggest signing in the history of the BBL’: Sydney Thunders GM’s Hails Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Australia pacer and current Sydney Thunders general manager Trent Copeland praised star Indian player Ravichandran Ashwin and his excitement on his arrival in one of the biggest Big Bash Leagues and calling it one of the biggest signings in BBL history.

Star Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 765 wickets across all three international formats. However, he is all set to join the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming biggest contest of all time, the Big Bash League. He will join the team after finishing his stint in the UAE’s ILT20, which concludes on January 5, 2026.

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“It’s the biggest signing in the history of the BBL. It’s a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … that we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy. Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story,” Copeland told reporters on Friday.

“We are going to have to (ramp up) security. We’re going to have Babar Azam here at the same time, which is just going to be incredible for the tournament. I certainly hope that this is a catalyst, not just for retired players to be able to do it. We have an opportunity this summer, and we are at the front of that queue. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment,” he said.

When asked if Ashwin would receive any special treatment during his stint with the Thunder, Copeland said, “The Thunder have got history with that (with) Chris Gayle. I know when he was out here, he was staying in a lofty penthouse.”

“But that was while I was playing in the tournament, not while I was the general manager and looking after the budget. What we want to make sure is that he and every other overseas player has a hell of a time when they’re here. We’ll look after them, that’s for sure.”