Dubai, Oct 4: Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold at the 2025 International League T20 (ILT20) auction held in Dubai. Despite setting a base price of USD 120,000—the highest in the auction—no franchise placed a bid for the 39-year-old cricketer. This outcome has surprised many fans and analysts, given Ashwin’s extensive experience and past performances.Ashwin had registered for the UAE-based league after announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), making him eligible to participate in overseas franchise competitions. He had made himself available for the entire season. However, he did not feature in the accelerated auction either, though he could still be considered for a wildcard signing.
The ILT20 auction, which took place on October 1, 2025, marked a significant event in the league’s history. Franchises were allowed to build squads of 19 to 21 players, with a total squad budget ranging from USD 1.5 million to USD 2 million. Each team had a purse of USD 2 million, out of which USD 1.2 million could be used for retention and direct signings, and USD 800,000 could be used in the auction.
Ashwin’s unsold status has sparked discussions about team strategies and priorities in the league’s upcoming season. While he remains a prominent figure in Indian cricket, his omission from the ILT20 auction raises questions about the evolving dynamics of franchise-based T20 leagues and the valuation of experienced players.
