Ashwin is set to become the first capped Indian men's cricketer to play in BBL.
Ravichandran Ashwin will get private security when he travels Down Under for the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL), with the Sydney Thunder concerned about a possible mobbing of the legendary spinner by Indian fans in the Australian city.
According to reports, Ashwin will bring along his personal crew to document his BBL journey with Thunder for his YouTube channel. He has a massive following on social media, with 5.3 million on Instagram and 1.75 million subscribers on YouTube.
“The prospect of the veteran spinner training and playing in western Sydney has been flagged as a potential safety risk. The open nature of Cricket NSW’s facilities at Sydney Olympic Park means Indian fans could mob Ashwin at training," the Sydney Morning Herald has reported.
“The Thunder have spoken to Cricket Australia to understand what measures need to be in place for an athlete who is hugely popular among Indian fans in Sydney. Ashwin may be given personal security during his time in Australia," the report added.
The 39-year-old Ashwin is all set to play three to five games in January and will participate in the final as well if Sydney Thunder qualify.
“It is the biggest signing in the history of the BBL. It is a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … that we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy," Sydney Thunder general manager Copeland said on Friday.
“Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment," Copeland added.
Ashwin became eligible to play in overseas league after announcing his IPL retirement in August this year. The off-spinner bid adieu to international cricket in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Ashwin represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He played a total of 221 IPL matches and claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the league’s history.