R Ashwin in talks with Cricket Australia for groundbreaking BBL stint

Ravichandran Ashwin could be all set to become the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL). And it could happen as early as the upcoming season of Australia's premier T20 league.

Cricbuzz has learnt that Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg is currently in discussions with Ashwin about the possibility of the star Indian spinner showing off his wares in the BBL. Discussions that were kicked off after Greenberg reached out to the star Indian spinner as soon as he'd announced his IPL retirement last week. Ashwin had hinted at becoming an "explorer of the game around (the) various leagues", and in what will be a significant acquisition for the Australian cricket summer, the BBL could become the 38-year-old's first stop as a freelance T20 explorer.

Even if at this stage the ball is in CA's court as to how they could make the deal come through. Along with what it looks like, whether it's in terms of how many matches Ashwin would be available for, or more importantly which of the eight clubs' colours he'll end up donning. Though some sources do believe he might be Melbourne-bound if he does make it this far.

Greenberg confirmed having made the call to Ashwin and revealed that a potential deal was in the works while expressing his excitement if it were to materialise. He is quietly confident that it will too.

"To get someone with Ashwin's credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels. He's a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer," Greenberg told Cricbuzz.

The next steps for Greenberg are to have a chat with the clubs and other stakeholders in a bid to orchestrate a proposal that he can then take to Ashwin, who too admitted to this website about the approach being made by CA. While technically all eight teams have more or less spent a majority of their salary purse during the draft, CA will potentially have to find an on-the-go solution to get Ashwin into the mix. It does look however like they are keen to explore all options and even come up with a bespoke alternative if needed to give the BBL a sensational fillip.

There have been a couple of examples in the past where Australia's elite players have been paid by the match, with David Warner reportedly having earned roughly 80,000 AUD for each BBL contest he was a part of two seasons ago. There may even be a scope for more brand or endorsement deals to come into the picture if it comes to that.

It makes sense too. After years of having dealt with the 'BBL doesn't attract the biggest overseas stars' stigma, the involvement of an elite Indian cricketer who's won World Cups and multiple IPLs will be a massive boost for the league. It will also expose it to a greater audience, not just with regards to South Asia, but also possibly its own standing in the larger T20 league universe.

CA under Greenberg have made no qualms in insisting that they want the BBL to be counted amongst the best competitions in the world, right alongside the IPL. And to score an Indian cricketer of Ashwin's credentials could even end up as a monumental pivot point for Australian cricket to finally see private investment enter the system. As has been recommended of course by an independent report which recently urged CA to sell minority stakes in the BBL clubs to start with as part of a larger expansion plan. A BBL season highlighted by the presence of Ashwin, with his millions of followers, would go a long way in boosting the position the Big Bash for prospective investors.

Though former wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik did pad up for the Paarl Royals as the first Indian to play in the SA20 earlier in the year, Ashwin would still be embarking on a pioneering journey considering his stature in the international game. Especially if it were to start in the rather virgin, from an Indian cricketer sense, climes the BBL.

If it does work out for Ashwin, it might become a door that he leaves open for others of his calibre in Indian cricket to at least contemplate once their IPL connection is complete. Whether it's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav or even Jasprit Bumrah in the far future. It would be quite the pathway after a decade-and-a-half of monopoly that the IPL has held over the biggest names in Indian cricket.

Ashwin is also learnt to have expressed his desire to Greenberg about pursuing coaching ambitions and using every opportunity he gets to hone his skills as he steps into unchartered waters. It's a role he is keen on adopting in the ILT20 as well early next year, which might dictate how long he is able to spend in Australia for the BBL.

Ashwin, who has created quite the following and reputation, as a content creator on his vodcasts may also be open for broadcast opportunities if he does make it to the BBL, which could in all likelihood enhance his media career, which for many looks like an inevitable route for him to embark upon. As Ashwin the explorer sets sail on a path less or barely travelled, with the BBL set to be a big impending beneficiary.