RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN has opened up on going unsold at the International League T20 (ILT20) 2026 auction, stating that his decision to set a premium base price reflected both his experience and impact in T20 cricket.
The former India off-spinner, who retired from the IPL in August 2025, entered the ILT20 auction with a top-category base price of $120,000 (approx. ₹1.06 crore). Despite being among the highest-valued names in the pool, Ashwin went unsold in both the initial and accelerated rounds.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Ashwin said: “That’s the price I wanted as a bare minimum, and I’m happy not to play at this stage of my career if my value isn’t met.”
Additionally, he added had no intention of lowering his base price, even when his name came up in the accelerated round.
While the ILT20 door closed, Ashwin has already penned a landmark deal with Sydney Thunder for Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15, making him the first Indian male cricketer to feature in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
“I was about to pull out a few days before the auction because of the Thunder deal, but since I had already committed to the ILT20 auction, I honoured my word. However, I did not agree to lowering my base price,” Ashwin revealed.
Ashwin, the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, confirmed he will play the entire BBL season and praised Thunder’s clarity and vision.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” he added.
