(BSS/AFP) - Veteran spin great Ravichandran Ashwin was Tuesday ruled out of Australia`s Big Bash League after knee surgery, missing out on becoming the first Indian international to feature in the Twenty20 event.

The 39-year-old, who signed for Sydney Thunder in September, said in a statement: "I`m gutted to miss BBL.

"My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I`m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they`ve already shown me."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow any current player in Indian international or domestic cricket to feature in overseas leagues.

But Ashwin retired in December during India`s Test tour of Australia and quit the Indian Premier League in August, freeing him up.

"Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash`s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL, and we wish him well in his recovery," said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.

Ashwin, who played for five IPL franchises, finished his India career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24.00.

He also played 116 one-day and 65 Twenty20 internationals.

The BBL gets under way on December 14.