R Ashwin Sets Record with Highest Base Price in ILT20 Auction

R Ashwin Sets Record with Highest Base Price in ILT20 Auction

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has set a new benchmark in franchise cricket by entering the ILT20 auction with the highest base price of USD 120,000, making him the only player in the auction list to cross the six-figure mark.

The inaugural ILT20 auction is set to take place on October 1 in Dubai, ahead of the league’s fourth season scheduled from December 2 to January 4.

Ashwin, 39, who recently retired from international cricket and the IPL, has declared full availability for the ILT20 season. Should he be picked, this will mark his first appearance in an overseas T20 league, adding a fresh chapter to his illustrious career. He is also expected to head to Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) later in the season, with at least four franchises reportedly in discussions to sign him for the latter half of the tournament.

Ashwin is one of 24 Indian players in the ILT20’s longlist of nearly 800 players. The final auction pool will be released this week following the submission of shortlists by the six ILT20 franchises.

Auction Structure and Squad Rules

ILT20 franchises had already completed retentions and direct signings in July, with each team allotted a total purse of USD 2 million. Of that, USD 1.2 million could be spent on retentions and direct picks, while USD 800,000 is available for auction buys. Teams are required to spend a minimum of USD 1.5 million and have the option to use an additional USD 250,000 for signing up to two wildcard players outside of the auction.

Franchises must build squads comprising 19 to 21 players (excluding wildcards), with at least:

  • 11 players from ICC Full Member nations

  • 4 players from the UAE

  • 1 each from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

  • 2 players from other Associate Member countries

Additionally, each team will have access to one Right-To-Match (RTM) card, but it can only be used to retain a UAE player who was part of their 2025 squad or development program.

With Ashwin entering the ILT20 scene at a record price and the auction dynamics evolving rapidly, all eyes will be on October 1, as franchises aim to finalize their squads for the upcoming season.