In a surprising turn of events, former Indian cricket sensation Ravichandran Ashwin failed to attract any bids at the eagerly anticipated ILT20 auction in Dubai.
Ashwin, who was the only player entering the auction with a significant six-figure base price of ₹120,000, didn’t even feature in the accelerated auction rounds. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for the seasoned spinner, as he remains eligible for a wildcard signing by one of the teams.
His participation in the UAE-based league was made possible after he announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, a strategic move allowing him to compete in various overseas franchise tournaments. Ashwin had explicitly communicated his availability for the entire season of the ILT20, making his snub even more unexpected.
Just last week, the 39-year-old had already inked a deal with Australia’s prestigious Big Bash League (BBL) team, Sydney Thunder. This marks a significant milestone, as he becomes one of the first high-profile Indian cricketers to join the Australian domestic T20 competition.
Adding to his busy schedule, Ashwin is also slated to represent Team India in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament later this November, showcasing his continued passion for the sport.
It’s worth recalling that the champion off-spinner had made headlines last year by retiring from international cricket mid-way through India’s tour of Australia.
Meanwhile, the ILT20 auction saw other notable picks. Dubai Capitals successfully acquired the services of Akshay Wakhare, a former Vidarbha off-spinner and Ranji Trophy champion. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, on the other hand, brought in Unmukt Chand, the former Under-19 World Cup-winning captain for India, who now plays for the USA.