Ashwin out of BBL after knee surgery
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Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin will miss the entire Big Bash League because of a knee injury, delivering a major blow to both Sydney Thunder and Cricket Australia.
The Thunder confirmed on Tuesday night that Ashwin would no longer play in the tournament following surgery, and in a best-case scenario he may join the group in a non-playing role.
Given Ashwin was set to be the first Indian Test star to play in the competition and one of its biggest ever drawcards, the news comes as a massive blow to officials of the team and the league.
“I’m gutted to miss BBL|15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger,” Ashwin said in a statement.
“I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me.
“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.”
After not entering the BBL draft prior to his retirement from the IPL, Ashwin had been granted an exemption to join the competition by CA.
In turn, officials had expected Thunder crowds to rise significantly with Ashwin in the team, after he committed to playing the full season.
Thunder GM Trent Copeland has previously indicated he hoped Ashwin would play for the club beyond this summer, with the 39-year-old having taken 537 wickets for India in 106 Tests before his retirement in Brisbane last December.
“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,” Thunder GM Trent Copeland said in a statement.
“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.”
AAP
