Ashwin to play whole Big Bash League season this year after going unsold in yesterday’s inaugural ILT20 Auction.
R Ashwin to play entire season of BBL with Sydney Thunder.
A day after being unsold at the ILT20 auction in Dubai, R Ashwin has decided to play for the Sydney Thunder for the duration of the BBL season.
Ashwin, who declared his IPL retirement in August, agreed to play at least three games for Thunder in the second half of the season, making him the first Indian player with a cap to compete in the BBL. Ashwin’s commitment to play in ILT20, where he stated the highest base pay of US$120,000, was the basis for that deal.
But when Ashwin’s name appeared in Set 5 for all-rounders and no one from the six franchises expressed interest, he went unsold.
According to what is known, Ashwin asked ILT20 to take his name off of the accelerated second round of bidding, which is intended for players who have not yet been sold.
Ashwin claimed to have “verbally” consented to play in the 2026 edition of ILT20, which is scheduled for December 2–January 4. Ashwin was the only player to post a six-figure reserve price after the July deadline for direct signings ended, hence he chose to list the highest base price. Ashwin also told ILT20 that he was hoping for a specific bid to participate in ILT20, and he withdrew when it became apparent he would not receive it at the auction.
“I had agreed verbally with ILT20 but then the franchise offers were pretty low because the direct signings had been closed by all teams,” Ashwin told. “Meanwhile Thunder came with a good deal, but since I had verbally agreed with ILT20, I entered the auction saying this is the minimum price I want to play for, else I am happy going to the BBL.”