Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make his debut in the Big Bash League, joining Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season and becoming the first prominent Indian cricketer to feature in Australia’s premier T20 tournament.

The 39-year-old, who recently retired from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League, “is understood to have committed to the Thunder,” according to a report by Fox Sports. The franchise is expected to confirm the signing officially later this week.

Ashwin is also part of the ILT20 auction, and following its conclusion on January 4, he is anticipated to join the Thunder for the latter half of the BBL season, which runs from December 14 to January 18.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg reportedly reached out to Ashwin earlier this month to explore the possibility of his participation in the Big Bash, highlighting the league’s intent to bring global stars to the competition.

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Having retired from the IPL last month, Ashwin now qualifies as a free agent for overseas T20 leagues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India bars active players from participating in foreign leagues while still involved with the national team or the IPL.

As Ashwin did not register for this year’s BBL overseas draft, Cricket Australia will need to grant him an exemption, similar to the approval extended to Martin Guptill for joining Melbourne Renegades in 2022.

Ashwin ended his international career during India’s tour of Australia in December last year, leaving behind a decorated record. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps, behind only Anil Kumble’s 619.

In the IPL, Ashwin featured in 221 matches, claiming 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, with best figures of 4/34. With the bat, he contributed 833 runs, including a highest score of 50, adding depth to his reputation as an all-round performer.