India's spin legend India's spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has reportedly registered for the upcoming ILT20 Auction 2026, opening a new chapter in his career after his recent retirement from the IPL and international cricket. With his vast experience and tactical brilliance, the former Indian off-spinner is expected to be a hot commodity, generating significant interest from franchises in the UAE's T20 league.
R Ashwin to play ILT20 after IPL retirement?
Ashwin's decision to enter the auction comes as no surprise. He had previously hinted at a new beginning in his career, stating his intention to explore other franchise leagues around the world. As he told Cricbuzz, "I have sent my name for the ILT20 auction. Hopefully, I will have a buyer."
The ILT20 2026 season will be the first to feature an auction system instead of the previous player draft. The auction is scheduled for September 30 in Dubai. Ashwin is poised to become the fourth Indian player to participate in the ILT20, following in the footsteps of Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu. The tournament itself will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
In a significant shift, the ILT20 league has replaced its previous draft system with a player auction for the upcoming season. The inaugural auction is set to take place on September 30 in Dubai. Indian spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his hat in the ring, making him a potential marquee signing for one of the league's six franchises. If he's picked, Ashwin would become the most high-profile Indian player to join the tournament, which is now in its fourth season. Only a handful of other Indian cricketers, including Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu, have previously participated in the league. With five of the six franchises being Indian-owned, it's possible that Ashwin's decision to register for the auction came with some prior assurances from a team.
Ashwin brings a wealth of experience to the table. The 38-year-old all-rounder has been a consistent presence in the IPL since 2009, representing five different franchises—Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals—over 221 games. Beyond the IPL, he has also played for his state team, Tamil Nadu, in domestic T20 cricket, as well as for various teams in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). A veteran of 282 international matches across all formats, Ashwin is widely regarded as one of India's biggest match-winners and will surely be a sought-after player at the auction.
Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly eyeing a player-cum-coach role in international leagues, with strong indications that he will feature in both Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US and The Hundred in England next year. This move aligns with his decision to explore franchise cricket beyond India, following his recent retirement from international and IPL cricket.
The ILT20 already boasts an impressive roster of top international talent. Big names who have been signed by various teams include Alex Hales, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Liam Livingstone, and Sunil Narine. The league also features players like Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, and Tim Southee, among many others.