Biggest signing in BBL history: Copeland hails Ashwin’s Thunder move

Former Australia pacer and current Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland has described Ravichandran Ashwin’s move to the Big Bash League (BBL) as the biggest signing in the competition’s history.

Ashwin, the former India off-spinner with 765 wickets across formats, will turn out for the Thunder in the upcoming BBL season after completing his stint at the UAE’s ILT20, which finishes 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.

The 39-year-old is set to become the first Indian international cricketer to feature in the BBL, marking a landmark moment for the Australian T20 league. Copeland also revealed that the Thunder will have to step up security measures during the season following Ashwin’s arrival.

“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.

Asked whether Ashwin would get any special treatment during his time with the club, Copeland recalled a past instance: “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 have a hell of a time when they’re here. We’ll look after them, that’s for sure.”

Ashwin’s signing comes at a time when conversations around privatising the BBL are gathering pace. For Copeland, however, the product remains strong.

“I don’t think we’re a broken product, regardless of Ashwin or anything else. What I do think is the public is 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,” he concluded.