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The Sydney Thunder are preparing for the fanfare that will follow Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin this summer, with extra security to be deployed to manage fans trying to catch a glimpse of the “biggest signing” in Big Bash League history.
Ashwin, who has taken 765 international wickets and boasts 5.3 million Instagram followers and 1.75 million YouTube subscribers, has joined the Thunder after a bidding war involving the eight BBL franchises.
The off-spinner, 39, is expected to play between three and five games in January – plus finals if the Thunder qualify – after retiring from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
“It’s the biggest signing in the history of the BBL,” Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said on Friday. “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.”
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 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.
In December, India had to ban spectators watching open training during the Border-Gavaskar series after 5000 fans turned up to watch Virat Kohli and other members of the national team participate in a net session in Adelaide.
Ashwin will be the first Indian player to feature in the BBL after stepping away from the IPL, with the BCCI barring active internationals from playing in overseas T20 leagues.
Officials are preparing for bumper crowds at fixtures involving Ashwin and Pakistan star Babar Azam, who has signed with the Sydney Sixers.
The cross-town clash between the Thunder and Sixers on January 16 is expected to be one of the biggest nights in the tournament’s 15-year history.
Indian fans at the Adelaide Oval last year watching a training session. Credit: Getty Images
“We are going to have to [ramp up] security,” Copeland said. “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.”
Asked if Ashwin would be given any VIP treatment, 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.”
Ravi Ashwin.Credit: AAP
Ashwin has indicated to the Thunder he intends to document his BBL journey with a camera crew for his YouTube channel, as well as mentoring fellow spinners Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green.
He will join the Thunder after playing in the Dubai-based ILT20, which runs until January 5.
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Ashwin’s signing comes as Australian cricket considers privatising the BBL. Copeland argued the deal proves the league can still lure global stars.
“I don’t think we’re a broken product, regardless of Ashwin or anything else,” Copeland said. “What I do think is the public are starting to see that big players, the best players in the world, like Babar Azam and Ravi Ashwin, are trying to come out here and play in this tournament.”
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