Ashwin became eligible to play in overseas league after announcing his IPL retirement in August this year.
Legendary India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin attracted no bids from the franchise owners in the first round of the ongoing ILT20 2026 auction.
The 39-year-old entered into the ILT20 auction ring with a base price of $120,000 (INR 1.06 crore) but he went unsold.
Besides Ashwin, England great James Anderson, who entered the auction with a base price of $40,000, also went unsold. Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir (base price of $80,000) didn’t find a buyer as well.
Ashwin became eligible to play in overseas league after announcing his IPL retirement in August this year.
The off-spinner bid adieu to international cricket in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats.
Ashwin finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals. He was also part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams.
Ashwin played a total of 221 IPL matches and claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the league’s history.
While Ashwin found no bidder in the ILT20 auction, he will play for Sydney Thunder in the 2025-26 edition of the Big Bash League. His signing was confirmed by the club last month, making him the first capped Indian male cricketer to play in the BBL.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role," Ashwin was quoted as saying by Sydney Thunder on September 25.
“I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation," he added.
“I am so proud that Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder," Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said.
“From the first time we spoke, Ashwin impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, desire to win and understanding of what makes our club special."
“He will bring an injection of fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his presence as a leader and mentor will be invaluable for our young players."
“Perhaps most excitingly, Ashwin’s connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation. We can’t wait for them to become part of our journey."