Combined with the potential involvement of IPL-linked investors, mounting interest among Indian players could pave the way for more cricketers from the game’s powerhouse nation to play in Australia, instantly raising the value and following of the BBL.
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“We’re very confident in the BBL and WBBL – we think they still remain one of the best leagues in the world, but we can’t be complacent,” CA chair Mike Baird said recently.
“What we’re seeing are shifts in terms of focus and salaries, and unless we respond, we have a risk of being left behind. That’s something we need to wrestle with.
“The [overseas] investment in players is significant, it’s at an all-time high, and, as an administrative body, you’ve got to respond to that. So part of what we’re weighing up is how to stay competitive, how do we make the best league for our fans and players, and there’s undoubtedly work to do as the rest of the world is moving.”
Only one Indian player has previously turned out in the BBL – former under-19 captain Unmukt Chand, who played for the Melbourne Renegades.
Ashwin, however, is a considerable step forward in class and visibility, having claimed 317 wickets in T20 matches, in addition to his hauls in the Test and one-day international formats.
Beyond his ability on the field, Ashwin has also established himself as a respected voice on the game since his international retirement in Australia last December. His YouTube channel has more than 1.75 million subscribers.
Sam Konstas, meanwhile, ended his India trip with a low score as Australia A stumbled in their second innings to be 3-16 at stumps.
Konstas (three), Campbell Kellaway (a duck) and Ollie Peake (one) all fell in the day’s last half hour, after the speedy Henry Thornton (4-36) had helped roll India A for 194 in reply to Australia A’s 420.
