R Ashwin Sets Highest Base Price At Inaugural ILT20 Auction

R Ashwin, former India cricketer, has set the highest base price of USD 120,000 for the first-ever ILT20 auction. The auction will be held in Dubai on October 1. This makes him the only player in the longlist with a six-figure base price. If selected, this will be Ashwin’s first time playing in an overseas T20 league.

Indian Players in the Longlist

Ashwin, 39, is one of 24 Indian players in the current auction longlist, which has nearly 800 players. A final list will be announced once the ILT20 receives the confirmed wishlist from each franchise. This will finalize the pool of players for the upcoming tournament.

ILT20 Tournament Details

The fourth edition of ILT20 will feature six teams and will be played from December 2 to January 4. Ashwin has confirmed full availability for the entire tournament. After ILT20, he is expected to join the Big Bash League (BBL), as four BBL teams have reportedly shown interest in hiring him for the latter part of the season.

Franchise Retentions and Auction Rules

ILT20 franchises had carried out retentions and direct signings in July. Each team could spend up to USD 1.2 million on these players, with the remaining USD 800,000 added to the auction purse. Franchises may spend up to USD 2 million in total but must spend at least USD 1.5 million. Additionally, franchises can spend an extra USD 250,000 to buy up to two wildcard players outside the auction.

Squad Composition Rules

Each franchise must have 19–21 players, excluding wildcards. The rules require a minimum of 11 players from Full Member countries, four from the UAE, one from Kuwait, one from Saudi Arabia, and two from other Associate nations. Teams also have one right-to-match (RTM) card to buy back a UAE player, provided that player was part of the franchise’s development squad or 2025 squad.

Ashwin’s Overseas Opportunities

Ashwin has been in talks with four BBL clubs. Playing in ILT20 will allow him to showcase his skills internationally before joining the BBL. This opportunity gives Ashwin a chance to extend his career in T20 leagues abroad after retiring from international cricket and the IPL.

R Ashwin’s listing as the highest-priced player at the inaugural ILT20 auction highlights his continuing influence in T20 cricket. The Dubai-based tournament will not only mark Ashwin’s first overseas league but also set the stage for intense competition among six franchises, combining top talent from India, the UAE, and other countries.