Former India spinner R Ashwin has entered the inaugural ILT20 auction with a record base price of USD 120,000, making him the only player in the tournament’s longlist with a six-figure valuation. The auction is scheduled to take place in Dubai on October 1. This will be Ashwin’s first overseas T20 league following his retirement from international cricket and the IPL.
At 39, Ashwin is among 24 Indian players in the longlist, which currently features nearly 800 players. The final auction list will be confirmed once franchises submit their wishlist to ILT20 authorities. His availability is confirmed for the full duration of the tournament, which runs from December 2 to January 4, after which he may participate in the Big Bash League (BBL), where multiple teams have reportedly shown interest.
ILT20 Auction Rules and Franchise Strategy
The ILT20’s fourth edition features six teams, with franchises allowed to spend up to USD 1.2 million on retentions and direct signings. The remaining USD 800,000 will be added to the auction purse. Each franchise must maintain a squad of 19 to 21 players, including at least 11 from Full Member countries, four from the UAE, and additional players from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Associate nations.
Teams can also utilize one right-to-match card to re-sign a UAE player from their development or 2025 squad and may spend up to USD 250,000 on two wildcard selections outside the auction. Ashwin’s presence at a record base price is expected to influence bidding strategies and draw significant attention during the event.
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