According to The Age, the Thunder and Ashwin are close to finalising an agreement for the upcoming season.
Ashwin, who has 537 Test wickets at an average just below 24 across 106 matches, has shown strong interest in joining the Thunder following nearly a month of discussions.
While no contract has been signed yet, talks have included the possibility of a two-year arrangement.
His proposed pay packet would place him among the highest earners in the BBL, exceeding the current salary ceiling of around $400,000, with costs covered jointly by the Thunder and Cricket Australia’s marketing pool.
Ordinarily, Indian cricketers are not permitted by the BCCI to take part in overseas T20 leagues, including the BBL. However, Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League has cleared the way for what would be a historic signing.
He is already set to play in the UAE’s ILT20 until January 5, meaning he could feature in roughly four matches for the Thunder as well as the finals, scheduled to wrap up on January 25.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has already gotten a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play for Hobart Hurricanes.
