New Delhi: Star Australia’s captain Michael Clarke expressed his desire that more contracted India’s players gets an opportunity to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) in the future. The 44-year-old believes that Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent signing with the Sydney Thunder might pave the way for increased Indian participation in the T20 tournament in Australia.
R Ashiwn was signed by BBL franchise Sydney Thunder
Last week, Ashwin made history as he became the first Indian male cricketer to be signed by a BBL franchise. The 39-year-old joined the David Warner-led Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season.
“Ravi [Ashwin] has been an amazing player for India and in the IPL, and he’s done a lot for the game. So, I think to have him come and now play in Australian domestic league, the BBL, I am hoping it opens the door not only if you retire from playing for India and now come and play, I am hoping there’s a possibility somehow, say there’s a player who’s not involved in the Indian Test series but the BBL is on. I am hoping the BCCI will slowly open that door so the players can keep playing cricket,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Clarke praised India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory
Clarke acknowledged that India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory was not surprising to him, he praised the manner of their win. The Men in Blue secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Sunday’s final, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title.
“It’s great they [Pakistan] made the finals. There’s no doubt about it, but I think the reality is India’s got the measure of them. I think India dominated that whole Asia Cup… They were the favorites, and I am not surprised they won. I think the most impressive thing from India’s perspective is how they won. They knew they were the favorites, and they played that way,” Clarke said.
Clarke reflected IPL has helped Indian cricket to handle pressure
Michael Clarke said playing in the Indian Premier league has boosted the performance of the Indian players in international cricket
Clarke noted that playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped Indian cricketers handle pressure better and perform strongly on the international stage.
“There’s a T20 World Cup around the corner for the men in February, and even One Day cricket now, I just think opposition teams need to find a way to put pressure back into this Indian team because they’re just [too good]. They are playing in tournaments like the IPL, where these young players are coming through, and they’re learning how to deal with pressure at a young age.”
“So, one of Australia’s cricket strengths for a long time was winning and dominating World Cups. Maximum pressure, dealing with it, being able to execute, and winning World Cups. Not making the final but winning. Indian young players are learning these traits from a young age in and around the IPL. You’re playing in front of a full houses and TV coverage,” Clarke said.
India will next play a five-match T20I series against Australia in Australia this October.
Story Highlight:
Star Australia’s captain Michael Clarke expressed his desire that more contracted India’s players gets an opportunity to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) in the future.
Ashwin made history as he became the first Indian male cricketer to be signed by a BBL franchise.
Clarke acknowledged that India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory was not surprising to him, he praised the manner of their win.
Michael Clarke said playing in the Indian Premier league has boosted the performance of the Indian players in international cricket