The Sydney Thunder are preparing for the fanfare that will follow Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin this summer, with extra security to be deployed to manage fans trying to catch a glimpse of the “biggest signing” in Big Bash League history.

Ashwin, who has taken 765 international wickets and boasts 5.3 million Instagram followers and 1.75 million YouTube subscribers, has joined the Thunder after a bidding war involving the eight BBL franchises.

The off-spinner, 39, is expected to play between three and five games in January – plus finals if the Thunder qualify – after retiring from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League.

“It’s the biggest signing in the history of the BBL,” Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said on Friday. “It’s a really clear message to our

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