Ravichandran Ashwin Ruled Out Of BBL 15 And Hong Kong Sixes Due To Knee Injury

Ravichandran Ashwin was ruled out of BBL 15 and Hong Kong Sixes 2025 after injuring his knee during training, with Robin Uthappa replacing him for the Hong Kong tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin announced on social media that a knee injury has ruled him out of both the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL 15) and the Hong Kong Sixes 2025.

Ashwin was scheduled to represent Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League this season but confirmed his withdrawal after undergoing a knee procedure. Despite his disappointment, he extended his best wishes to the team ahead of the tournament.

“Dear Thunder Nation, I wanted to write this myself. While training in Chennai to prepare for the upcoming season, I hurt my knee. I’ve had a procedure, and the outcome means I will miss BBL 15. That is tough to say. I was genuinely excited to be part of this group and play in front of you. For now it is rehab, recovery, and doing the work to come back stronger. From my first chat with the club, I have felt only warmth from Trent, the staff, the players, and so many of you who have already reached out,” Ashwin said.

“Thank you for making me feel at home before a ball has been bowled. I will be watching every game and cheering for both our women’s and men’s teams. If rehab and travel line up, and only if the doctors are happy, I would love to be around later in the season and say hello in person. No promises. That is the intent. Please keep packing ENGIE Stadium and keep the noise up. Your support matters more than you know. Thank you for the love. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year. With gratitude, Ravichandran Ashwin,” the veteran wrote.

Sydney Thunder confirmed the update with an official statement expressing support for Ashwin’s recovery. “Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery,” said Sydney Thunder official Trent Copeland.

“From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL 15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.

“While disappointing for the club, we have built two championship-contending squads and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in WBBL 11 and BBL 15. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns,” Copeland added.

Uthappa to Replace Ashwin in Hong Kong Sixes

The off-spinner has also been ruled out of the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, scheduled from November 7 to 9 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.

“I’m really disappointed to miss out on the Hong Kong Sixes this year due to injury. I was looking forward to experiencing the tournament’s unique format and energy. I wish the Indian team all the very best, I’m sure the boys will put on a great show and hopefully lift the trophy,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.

In his absence, former India batter Robin Uthappa has been named as his replacement. Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, was set to make his first post-retirement appearance at the Sixes. However, his injury has sidelined him from participating.

Uthappa, who led India in the Hong Kong Sixes 2024, will return to the squad this year. The 2007 ICC T20 World Cup winner is renowned for his aggressive stroke play and quick scoring ability. He was one of India’s top performers in the previous edition, notably smashing a 13-ball 52 against Oman.

India will be captained by Dinesh Karthik, with Stuart Binny, Abhimanyu Mithun, Bharat Chipli, Shahbaz Nadeem, Priyank Panchal, and Robin Uthappa forming the squad. The side aims to better its previous record, having lifted the Hong Kong Sixes title only once.

The Hong Kong Sixes is known for its high-energy format, featuring six players per side and six-over innings across three action-packed days. The 2025 edition will host 12 teams divided into four pools, bringing together top international and domestic cricketers. The opening day will see ten matches, setting the tone for a weekend of fast-paced, big-hitting cricket that continues to attract global stars and passionate fans.

Last Updated on November 4, 2025