Ravichandran Ashwin signs up for ILT20 auction days after retiring from IPL

Veteran spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, just days after announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the 38-year-old has confirmed his participation in the International League T20 (ILT20) auction, scheduled for September 30 in Dubai. If picked, he will feature in the fourth edition of the UAE-based league, which will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Ashwin’s IPL retirement earlier this week ended a career that spanned 221 matches across five franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. A two-time IPL champion with CSK in 2010 and 2011, he finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history with 187 scalps at an economy of 7.2.

His final stint with CSK in 2025 ended on a poor note. Bought back at the mega auction for INR 9.75 crore, Ashwin played just nine matches, his lowest tally since 2009, and finished with an economy rate of 9.12, his most expensive season ever. Having already stepped away from international cricket in December 2024, Ashwin is now exploring opportunities in overseas leagues.

“I have sent my name for the ILT20 auction. Hopefully, I will have a buyer,” Ashwin told Cricbuzz.

Only 3 Indians have featured in ILT20 so far

Until now, only Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu have represented India in the competition, which features franchises such as MI Emirates, Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai Capitals, and Desert Vipers. Dubai Capitals enter the season as defending champions.

The league has already secured international stars like Alex Hales, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Mustafizur Rahman, Rovman Powell, Shai Hope, Azmatullah Omarzai, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Adil Rashid, Kusal Mendis, Tim Southee, Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, and Tim David.

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