Thunder and Hurricanes are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Indian cricket legend R Ashwin, with a deal potentially being finalised soon. The 2025-26 Big Bash League (BBL) season is scheduled to start on December 14, 2025, with the final match to be played on January 25, 2026. Only retired Indian players are allowed by the BCCI to participate in overseas T20 leagues. BBL clubs are allowed to feature three overseas players in their XI, having already secured three spots through pre-signing rules and the June overseas draft. If a team releases an international player, R Ashwin could potentially fill the spot as a replacement player.