Ravichandran Ashwin goes unsold at ILT20 Auction 2026

Published - 01 Oct 2025, 17:47 IST | Updated - 01 Oct 2025, 18:20 IST

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold at the ILT20 2026 auction despite being one of the headline names in the player pool. Entering with the highest base price of USD 120,000, the 39-year-old failed to attract any bids. While Ashwin went unsold at the auction, he has already secured a landmark deal with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League (BBL), making him the first Indian cricketer to feature in the competition.

The all-rounder, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 and from the IPL in August 2025, had entered the ILT20 auction as a marquee player. With 333 T20 matches and 317 wickets under his belt, he was expected to be one of the most in-demand players. However, the high base price saw Ashwin without a buyer in the first round. However, the Chennai-born may be picked in the accelerated round that will follow.

Notably, he wasn’t the only big name to face rejection at the auction. England’s veteran fast bowler James Anderson, with a base price of USD 40,000, and Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir, priced at USD 80,000, also went unsold in an auction, which saw over 300 players go under the hammer.

Meanwhile, in the IPL alone, he represented five franchises across 221 matches, bagging 187 wickets. His final IPL appearance came in May 2025 for the Chennai Super Kings. For India, he has been a match-winner in major tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.

Ashwin presents Thunder jersey in Navratri-inspired post

Ahead of the ILT20 auction, Sydney Thunder had already announced his signing for the 2025-26 Big Bash League season, recording a historic moment for both the franchise and Indian cricket. With this, Ashwin becomes the first capped Indian male cricketer to participate in the BBL. Ashwin himself expressed excitement about joining the team.

"Thunder were crystal clear about how they'd use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we're fully aligned on my role. I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it's always better when your leader shares your mindset," Ashwin said.