ILT20 auction: Ashwin goes unsold in first round, wildcard hope remains

The 39-year-old could still make the cut though as a wildcard signing.

Ex-India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold at the International League (IL) T20 auction held in Dubai.

The 39-year-old had last week signed with Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder, becoming the first high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the competition and was expected to be signed by one of the franchises in ILT20.

But the Tamil Nadu cricketer, who was the only player with a six-figure base price of $120,000, did not feature in the accelerated auction.

He could still make the cut though as a wildcard signing.

Elsewhere at the auction, Dubai Capitals secured the services of former Vidarbha off-spinner and Ranji Trophy winner Akshay Wakhare, while Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand, now representing USA, was picked up by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Ashwin had registered for the UAE-based league after announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a move that made him eligible to play in overseas franchise competitions.

That falls in line with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) diktat which bans active Indian players from taking part in foreign leagues while still involved with the national side or the IPL.

He is also set to represent Team India in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament in November.

The champion off-spinner had earlier bid farewell to international cricket midway through India's tour Down Under last year.

A decorated India career saw Ashwin become the country's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps.

In the IPL, Ashwin featured in 221 matches, picking up 187 wickets at 30.22 with best figures of 4/34. 

Organised by Emirates Cricket Board, the fourth edition of ILT20, which ahs six teams in the fray, will start on December 2 and the final will be held on January 4, 2026.

Dubai Capitals are the defending champions of the tournament.

(with inputs from agencies)