Explained: Why Ravi Ashwin remained unsold in ILT20 2026 Auction

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has analyzed why former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold in the recent ILT20 auction.

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Despite Ashwin's extensive experience and demonstrated all-around skills with both bat and ball, no team bid for him when he entered the auction in the first round with a base price of USD 120,000. This surprised many. Ashwin has 317 wickets in 333 T20s, including 187 wickets in IPL.

Because of his leadership abilities and track record in domestic T20 tournaments, Ashwin has always been a great asset to any squad. But in spite of his qualifications, he was passed over for the prestigious competition held in the United Arab Emirates.

Simon Doull explains why R. Ashwin went unsold in the ILT20 auction

Simon Doull, a former cricket player for New Zealand, had some thoughts during the YouTube live auction show. After being disregarded in the first round of the auction, Doull speculated that Ashwin might have willingly withdrawn from it. Although this hasn't been confirmed, Doull said the choice would be unexpected if it were true.

Given that teams might have wanted to sign him in later rounds, Doull contended that such a move could be viewed as being shortsighted.

"We're hearing that he may have pulled out of the auction, which is a massive surprise. I mean, you've got to read the room. You've got to understand what's going on out there and all that money left when there are 3-4 teams with over $400,000 left in their pot. I don't think they came here not wanting to spend money—it's there to be spent. If he pulled himself out, then he just hasn't read the room. I think sides would have gone in for him,” Doull said during the broadcast.

There is another explanation as well. Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), which begins on December 14 and lasts until January 25, coincides with the ILT20, which takes place from December 2 to January 4. It has been confirmed that Ashwin has committed to the Sydney Thunder for the next campaign.

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Given the overlap, Ashwin may have chosen not to participate in the ILT20 in order to avoid overcommitting and the physical strain of traveling back-to-back between tournaments in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Prioritizing the BBL could be a calculated move to preserve form and health given his advanced age and the workload he faces as a senior Indian cricket player.

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