The first-ever ILT20 player auction for Season 4 (2025–26) in Dubai created plenty of headlines, but the biggest talking point was the unexpected fate of India’s iconic off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite months of buzz around his availability, the veteran cricketer went unsold at the auction.
Ashwin’s Profile at the Auction
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| Base Price | USD 120,000 (Highest among Indian players) |
| Status | Retired from IPL and International Cricket (2025) |
| Other League Commitment | Signed with Sydney Thunder for BBL 15 |
Ashwin entered the auction with the highest base price of USD 120,000, making him the most high-profile Indian player ever to register for ILT20. His record includes over 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches and two IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings.
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What Happened at the ILT20 Auction?
Despite his credentials, no franchise placed a bid for Ashwin in the main round.
Even more surprisingly, his name did not come up in the accelerated rounds, meaning he was effectively ignored throughout the event.
While other veterans like Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Nabi found buyers at lower prices, Ashwin remained unsold. This outcome left both fans and cricket experts stunned.
Key Reasons Behind Ashwin Going Unsold
- High Base Price
Ashwin’s base price of USD 120,000 was the highest among Indian players. Teams may have been hesitant to commit such a large chunk of their purse early in the auction. - BBL Commitment
Ashwin has already signed with the Sydney Thunder for BBL|15, which overlaps with ILT20 dates (December 2 – January 4 vs BBL starting December 14). This scheduling conflict may have made teams wary of his availability. - Team Strategy & Auction Dynamics
Former cricketer Simon Doull speculated during the auction broadcast that Ashwin might have voluntarily withdrawn after being ignored in the first round. Although unconfirmed, it’s possible teams were saving their purse for younger or all-round options later. - Age & Workload Management
At 38, Ashwin is among the oldest T20 freelancers. ILT20 franchises may have preferred younger spinners or those not tied to other leagues for back-to-back tournaments.
Expert Views
Some experts believe Ashwin could still make a return as a wildcard signing since franchises like MI Emirates and Desert Vipers still have the option to add players outside the auction. Others suggest his focus on the Big Bash League signals a strategic shift in his post-IPL career to play fewer, high-profile tournaments.
Ashwin’s Future in Global T20 Leagues
Although he didn’t find a buyer at ILT20, Ashwin remains a world-class spinner and one of India’s greatest match-winners. His upcoming stint with Sydney Thunder in BBL 15 will make him the first-ever male Indian international cricketer to play in the Big Bash League.
This milestone, combined with his extensive T20 experience, means Ashwin will still be in demand globally, even if not in ILT20 Season 4.
High-Profile Players at ILT20 Auction: Quick Comparison Table
| Player | Status at Auction | Price / Team |
|---|---|---|
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Unsold | – |
| Andre Fletcher | Sold | USD 260,000 (MI Emirates – Highest Bid) |
| Scott Currie | Sold | USD 250,000 (Dubai Capitals) |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Sold | USD 40,000 (MI Emirates) |
| Junaid Siddique | Sold | USD 170,000 (Sharjah Warriorz) |
Conclusion
The ILT20 2026 Auction was historic for many reasons, but Ravichandran Ashwin going unsold stole the headlines. High base price, scheduling conflicts with BBL, and team strategies combined to create a perfect storm that left him without a franchise.
Still, with his BBL debut and vast experience, Ashwin’s T20 journey is far from over — and cricket fans worldwide will continue to watch his next moves closely.
