Sydney Thunder have confirmed the unfortunate withdrawal of Ravichandran Ashwin from the entire BBL|15 due to knee surgery.
Ashwin had been hailed as a marquee signing, representing the first Indian international to play in the BBL, so the injury is a cruel blow.
The withdrawal means the Thunder are back to three imports, with Lockie Ferguson – who’ll arrive late due to the ILT20 – Sam Billings and Shadab Khan.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said: “Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery.
“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 BBL|15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.
“While disappointing for the club, we have built two championship-contending squads and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in WBBL|11 and BBL|15. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns.”
Ashwin said: “I’m gutted to miss BBL|15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger.
“I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation.”
“If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year.”
Sydney Thunder BBL|15 squad
Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Adian O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner
