Shocking ILT20 2026 Auction: R Ashwin Goes Unsold Despite INR 1.06 Cr Base Price; Karthik, Chawla Bag Deals

The news comes months after the legendary spinner retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in August. Ashwin, who hoped to extend his T20 career in overseas leagues, was a marquee name in the player pool. The 39-year-old’s unsold status was a major talking point of the ILT20 auction held recently.

Ashwin Secures Historic BBL Deal

While the ILT20 snub is notable, Ashwin is already set for a landmark move. He has secured a deal with the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15.This signing is historic, as Ashwin will become the first Indian men’s cricketer to represent a BBL franchise, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

Indian Veterans Dinesh Karthik and Piyush Chawla Find Takers

Meanwhile, a few other Indian veterans successfully found spots in the marquee UAE-based tournament:

·         Dinesh Karthik: The experienced wicketkeeper-batter was signed by Sharjah Warriorz. Karthik joins the squad as a replacement for Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis.

·         Piyush Chawla: The veteran spinner was picked up by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, adding depth and experience to their bowling attack. Chawla is now the third Indian player confirmed to feature in ILT20 Season 4.

Ashwin’s T20 and IPL Legacy

Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind a colossal legacy in the IPL and T20 cricket worldwide.

·         IPL Career: Across 221 matches, he is the seventh most-capped player. A two-time champion with Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011), he finished with 187 wickets, the fifth-highest in IPL history.

·         Overall T20s: The spinner has amassed a total of 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches globally, solidifying his status as one of the format's greatest spinners.