In a recent development, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of BBL 2025-26 due to a knee injury while training in Chennai as preparation for the tournament.

He has undergone a procedure due to which he will be missing the part of the tournament, which is set to begin on December 14.

The 39-year-old Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December last year and then from the IPL in August, was set to play for Sydney Thunder in what was expected to be his maiden BBL stint.

“I was genuinely excited to be a part of this group and play in front of you,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.

“For now, it is rehab, recovery and doing the work to come back stronger. From my first chat with the club, I’ve felt only warmth from Trent, the staff, the players, and so many of you who already reached out. Thank you for making me feel at home even before a ball has been bowled.”

“I will be watching all the games and cheering for both our women’s and men’s teams. If rehab and travel line up, and only if the doctors are happy, I would love to be around later in the season and say hello in person. No promises. That is the intent.”

Sydney Thunder’s general manager, Trent Copeland, expressed the club’s disappointment regarding Ashwin’s injury while emphasising their continued focus on fielding a competitive squad.

“Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury, which has ruled him out of BBL15, and we wish him well in his recovery,” said Trent Copeland.

“From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of the BBL, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.”

Despite the setback, the Sydney Thunder is confident about the upcoming season. “While disappointing for the club, we have built two championship-contending squads and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in WBBL and BBL. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns.”

Sydney Thunder’s BBL campaign is scheduled to begin in the game against Hobart Hurricanes on December 16, followed by the Sydney Derby on December 20.