NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin is set to receive private security from his Big Bash League franchise, Sydney Thunder, as the team anticipates heightened interest from the Indian diaspora during training sessions at the Olympic Arena ground, according to media reports.

Ashwin is also expected to bring along his own crew to film his BBL journey for his private YouTube channel. The star all-rounder boasts 5.3 million Instagram followers and 1.75 million YouTube subscribers.

Last year, around 5,000 Indian fans attended India's pink-ball training session at the Adelaide Oval during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, creating a security concern that the Thunder are keen to avoid this time.

"The prospect of the veteran spinner training and playing in western Sydney has been flagged as a potential safety risk. The open nature of Cricket NSW's facilities at Sydney Olympic Park means Indian fans could mob Ashwin at training," the Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

"The Thunder have spoken to Cricket Australia to understand what measures need to be in place for an athlete who is hugely popular among Indian fans in Sydney. Ashwin may be given personal security during his time in Australia," it further reported.

"We are going to have to (ramp up) security," Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said.

"We're going to have Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers) here at the same time, which is just going to be incredible for the tournament."

The 39-year-old Ashwin is expected to feature in three to five matches in January, and will also play in the final if Sydney Thunder make it through.

"It's the biggest signing in the history of the BBL," Sydney Thunder general manager Copeland said on Friday.

"It's a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … that we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy. Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment."

During his stint with Sydney Thunder, Chris Gayle was provided with a lavish penthouse. When asked whether Ashwin would receive similar accommodations, Copeland, a former Test medium pacer, assured that the franchise would do its best.

"The Thunder have got history with that (with) Chris Gayle. I know when he was out here, he was staying in a lofty penthouse, but that was while I was playing in the tournament, not while I was the general manager and looking after the budget," he said in jest.

"What we want to make sure is that he and every other overseas player has a hell of a time when they're here. We'll look after them, that's for sure."