In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, one of India’s most decorated cricketers found no takers at a major T20 auction. The veteran spinner, who had set the highest base price among all players at the inaugural event, watched as all six franchises passed on the opportunity to secure his services.
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The Unexpected Outcome in Dubai
The inaugural International League T20 player auction, held in Dubai on October 1st, witnessed a moment that few predicted. Despite entering the auction with unprecedented expectations and the tournament’s highest base price of $120,000, the 39-year-old off-spinner attracted no bids from any of the six competing franchises.
The legendary spinner appeared in the fifth set of the auction’s overseas category, but despite auctioneer Richard Madley’s best efforts, no franchise raised their paddle. When his name came up again in the accelerated round—a second chance for unsold players—the result remained unchanged.
Auction Overview and Context
| Tournament Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Location | Dubai, UAE |
| Total Players | Approximately 800 in longlist |
| Players Sold | 75 cricketers |
| Tournament Window | December 2 – January 4, 2026 |
| Franchises Participating | 6 teams |
The fourth edition of the tournament marked a significant shift from previous seasons, introducing an auction format for the first time after three years of player drafts. The timing also changed, moving from the traditional January-February window to December-January to avoid clashing with other major cricket events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The Highest Base Price That Wasn’t Enough
The former India spinner had positioned himself as the marquee player of the auction by setting a base price of $120,000—the only player in six figures and significantly higher than the next tier of players priced at $80,000. This bold move reflected his stature in world cricket and his recent availability for overseas leagues after retiring from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
His retirement from the IPL in August came after a disappointing stint with Chennai Super Kings, where he had been purchased for ₹9.75 crore (approximately $1.17 million) at the 2024 mega auction. The contrast between his IPL valuation just months earlier and his inability to attract a single bid at the ILT20 auction has raised eyebrows across the cricket community.
Other Big Names Who Went Unsold
| Player | Country | Base Price | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | India | $120,000 | Off-spinner |
| James Anderson | England | $80,000 | Fast bowler |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | Variable | All-rounder |
| Jason Roy | England | $80,000 | Opening batter |
| Temba Bavuma | South Africa | $80,000 | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | Pakistan | $80,000 | All-rounder |
The auction saw several other prominent names go unsold, including England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, England opener Jason Roy, and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. However, none carried the same level of surprise as the Indian spinner’s situation, given his recent form and reputation.
The BBL Connection: A Silver Lining
The outcome at the ILT20 auction may not be entirely negative for the veteran off-spinner. Just weeks before this auction, he made history by becoming the first capped Indian male cricketer to sign with a Big Bash League franchise, joining Sydney Thunder for BBL Season 15.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it,” he said in a statement following the BBL signing. “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. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.“
The scheduling conflict between the two tournaments had been a concern. The ILT20 is scheduled to run from December 2 to January 4, 2026, while the BBL season overlaps significantly with these dates. Going unsold in the ILT20 now means the spinner will be available for Sydney Thunder from the very first match, allowing him to honor his commitment fully without any split loyalties or scheduling complications.
Understanding the Franchise Calculations
Each of the six ILT20 franchises entered the auction with strategic constraints that may have influenced their decision-making regarding high-priced players.
Franchise Auction Purses
| Team | Available Funds | Pre-Auction Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Capitals | $1,035,000 | Aggressive signings expected |
| Gulf Giants | $1,035,000 | Balanced approach |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | $825,000 | Conservative spending |
| Desert Vipers | $802,500 | Value hunting |
| MI Emirates | $800,000 | Targeted purchases |
| Sharjah Warriorz | $800,000 | Strategic bidding |
Teams had already spent significantly on retentions and direct signings, with each franchise having used up to $1.2 million from their $2 million total purse before the auction. The remaining $800,000 base auction purse, combined with whatever was left from pre-auction signings, meant that spending $120,000 on a single player—15% of the base auction budget—was a significant commitment.
Additionally, franchises needed to fill between 13-15 roster spots, requiring them to balance star power with squad depth. A $120,000 investment for a 39-year-old spinner, regardless of pedigree, potentially limited flexibility for acquiring multiple quality players across different positions.
The Age Factor and T20 Considerations
At 39 years old, questions about longevity and adaptability in the modern T20 format may have influenced franchise thinking. While the off-spinner’s Test cricket credentials are impeccable—537 wickets in the longest format—his T20 record presents a different picture.
Career T20 Statistics:
- International T20Is: 72 wickets in 65 matches
- IPL: 187 wickets in 221 matches (5th all-time)
- Overall T20s: 317 wickets in 333 matches
- Strike Rate: Variable across different phases of career
- Economy Rate: Generally economical but concerns about modern power-hitters
Several franchises may have concluded that younger, more affordable spin options suited their needs better, especially considering the diverse squad requirements mandating players from UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other associate nations.
Pakistan Players and Political Complications
The auction occurred just one day after the Pakistan Cricket Board suspended all no-objection certificates for players wishing to participate in overseas T20 leagues. This unprecedented move created uncertainty around Pakistani players’ availability.
Despite this development, Desert Vipers emerged as the only franchise willing to bid for Pakistani talent, securing Fakhar Zaman ($80,000), Naseem Shah ($80,000), and Hasan Nawaz ($40,000) all at their base prices. The political uncertainty surrounding player availability may have contributed to franchises being cautious about committing significant funds to any players, preferring to maintain flexibility.
The Costliest Picks and Auction Dynamics
While some high-profile names went unsold, others found eager buyers. West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Andre Fletcher became the auction’s most expensive player at $260,000, retained by MI Emirates for a fourth consecutive season. His explosive batting and wicketkeeping abilities made him a complete package that franchises valued highly.
England bowler Scott Currie commanded the second-highest price at $250,000, going to Dubai Capitals after impressive performances in The Hundred. UAE’s Junaid Siddique triggered an intense bidding war that reached $170,000, with Sharjah Warriorz ultimately using their right-to-match card to retain him after Gulf Giants’ aggressive pursuit.
Other notable signings included:
- Liam Dawson to Gulf Giants for $170,000
- Muhammad Rohid to MI Emirates for $140,000
- Dwaine Pretorius to Sharjah Warriorz for $120,000
- Nathan Sowter to Sharjah Warriorz for $100,000
The Wildcard Possibility
Despite going unsold in both the main and accelerated auction rounds, there remains a possibility that the veteran spinner could still feature in the upcoming ILT20 season. Two franchises—MI Emirates and Desert Vipers—have yet to complete their wildcard signings.
ILT20 rules permit each franchise to spend an additional $250,000 to acquire up to two wildcard players outside the auction process. This provision allows teams to sign players at any time, offering a backdoor entry for unsold players who might fit specific needs or fill gaps created by injuries or visa issues.
However, at his $120,000 asking price, even a wildcard signing would consume nearly half of a franchise’s wildcard budget, potentially limiting their ability to address other needs through this route.
Other Indian Players at the Auction
Among the 24 Indians on the auction longlist, several found homes with ILT20 franchises. Former India Under-19 captain Unmukt Chand, who has now moved to the USA and represents American cricket, was picked up by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for $40,000.
Akshay Wakhare, a former Ranji Trophy winner with Vidarbha, earned a contract with Dubai Capitals, while other Indians including Priyank Panchal, Ankit Rajpoot, and Siddharth Kaul were also in the auction pool, though with varying degrees of success.
The contrast between the reception received by different Indian players highlighted how franchises evaluated each player’s current form, age, role specificity, and value for money rather than reputation alone.
What This Means Moving Forward
The auction outcome represents a significant moment in the veteran spinner’s post-international career journey. After announcing that his “time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today” upon retiring from the IPL, he had positioned himself for a second act in franchise cricket globally.
His signing with Sydney Thunder remains intact and perhaps even strengthened by the ILT20 result. Without ILT20 commitments, he can dedicate himself fully to the BBL experience, potentially making a stronger impact in Australian cricket where fans have already expressed excitement about his arrival.
For the ILT20, the decision by all six franchises to pass on arguably the auction’s biggest name will be scrutinized throughout the season, especially if spin-friendly conditions in UAE favor off-spinners. Should any franchise struggle with their spin bowling options, the wildcard provision could still come into play.
Read More: India vs West Indies 1st Test Preview: Prediction, Team News, and Where to Watch the Match LIVE
FAQs
Why did R Ashwin go unsold at the ILT20 auction?
His $120,000 base price (highest in the auction) was too steep for franchises with limited budgets. At 39 years old, teams preferred younger, more affordable options to fill multiple roster spots.
Can R Ashwin still play in the ILT20 despite going unsold?
Yes, franchises can sign up to two wildcard players outside the auction. MI Emirates and Desert Vipers haven’t completed their wildcard signings and could potentially acquire him.
How does this affect R Ashwin’s BBL contract with Sydney Thunder?
It benefits his BBL commitment. He’ll now be available for Sydney Thunder from their first match through the entire season without any ILT20 scheduling conflicts.
Who were the other big names that went unsold at the ILT20 auction?
James Anderson, Jason Roy, Temba Bavuma, and Saim Ayub also went unsold. Shakib Al Hasan initially went unsold but was later picked by MI Emirates for $40,000 in the accelerated round.
What are R Ashwin’s major cricket achievements?
He has 765 international wickets including 537 in Tests, won the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, was ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2016, and has 187 IPL wickets (5th all-time).
