'We are going to have to': Thunder boss prepares for extra security after 'biggest signing in BBL history' locked in

Trent Copeland has conceded the Sydney Thunder will need to ramp up security measures this season after the club confirmed the signing of Ravichandran Ashwin.

In what has been described as the 'biggest signing in history' for the Australian competition, the 39-year-old's acquisition was locked in on Thursday.

Ashwin will become the first international Indian player to ever play in the Big Bash after retiring from both international and IPL duties over the past year.

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Only one Indian player has previously turned out in the BBL – former under-19 captain Unmukt Chand, who played for the Melbourne Renegades.

The off-spinner will play between three and fives games for the western Sydney franchise in January, plus the finals of the tournament if Thunder make it through.

"It's the biggest signing in the history of the BBL," Copeland told media on Friday.

"It's a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy.

"Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story."

The arrival of Ashwin won't come without some complications however.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the prospect of the Indian great training and playing in the Sydney Olympic Park complex could be a safety and security risk.

Thunder officials have spoken to Cricket Australia about the measures that will need to be in place for Ashwin, who will also have his own personal security.

It comes after Indian spectators were banned from watching training last summer during the Border-Gavaskar series after 5000 fans flocked to a session in Adelaide.

Copeland also acknowledged the need for extra security when Sydney rivals the Thunder and Sixers square off during the season.

"We are going to have to [ramp up] security," Copeland said.

"We're going to have [Pakistan star] Babar Azam here at the same time [playing for the Sixers], which is just going to be incredible for the tournament.

"I certainly hope that this is a catalyst, not just for retired players to be able to do it.

"We have an opportunity this summer, and we are at the front of that queue. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment."

Ashwin claimed 537 scalps for India in his 106 appearances at Test level, making him the country's second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble.

Azam - who has captained Pakistan in recent years - will join the Sixers for the upcoming season in another major coup.