- By Himanshu Badola
- Sun, 31 Aug 2025 07:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's legendary spinner, might be seen in action again soon as he has signed up for the International League T20 auction days after announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League.
The auction for the ILT20 2025 will take place on September 30 in Dubai, and a report in Cricbuzz claimed that the league organisers have received Ashwin’s official entry and are doing the enrolment formalities for his registration.
"I have sent my name for the ILT20 auction. Hopefully, I will have a buyer," Ashwin told the website.
ALSO READ: Manoj Tiwary Takes Swipe At MS Dhoni Over India Mentorship Role Rumours
Ashwin's appearance in the tournament will be a huge boost for ILT20, considering the stature of the Indian star in world cricket over the years. The 38-year-old Ashwin has now retired from all formats of the game and is one of the most popular cricketers in India, the biggest audience base for the sport.
ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara Shares PM Modi's Message After International Retirement
The ILT20 began in January 2023 and used to work on a draft system. This will be the first time that they’ll introduce an IPL-like auction system, and Ashwin is set to be among the biggest names on the roster.
If he is picked by one of the six teams (five of which are owned by Indians), Ashwin would become the biggest name from Indian cricket to feature in the ILT20. Notably, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu are the only other Indians to have played in the competition.
The BCCI doesn't allow active Indian men's cricketers to play in other global T20 leagues in order to protect the market value and exclusivity of the IPL.
Even in the brief retirement message, he had mentioned he wanted to explore leagues around the world.
"Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have a new start. My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years, and most importantly, the IPL and the BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me #cricketforlife," Ashwin had tweeted.