Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will miss the forthcoming Big Bash League because of a knee injury picked up while training.

Ashwin was set to play for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s domestic T20 tournament in what was described as “one of the biggest signings in BBL history”.

The 39-year-old retired from international cricket in December 2024, and from the Indian Premier League earlier this year, which made him eligible for global franchise leagues.

Ashwin, who would have been the first player capped by India at international level to play in the BBL, said he was “gutted” to miss the tournament.

“My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger,” said Ashwin, who has taken 765 wickets in 287 international matches across formats for India.

“For now it is rehab, recovery, and doing the work to come back stronger. If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans.”

The BBL is scheduled from 14 December until 25 January.