A New Chapter After Retirement: For Indian cricket fans, the news of R Ashwin hanging up his boots earlier this month came as a bittersweet moment. The magician with the ball, who gave countless memories in international cricket and the IPL, had officially retired from all forms of the game. But in a delightful twist, Ashwin is not done just yet. The 38-year-old is now making headlines again as reports confirm Ashwin in talks with ILT20, with strong chances that he will register for the upcoming player auction.
The International League T20 (ILT20), hosted in the UAE, has already attracted several international stars over the years. But if Ashwin makes it to the auction list, he will instantly become the most high-profile Indian cricketer to feature in the competition’s history.
Auction on the Horizon
The ILT20, which is set to run from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026, has introduced an auction format this season, replacing the previous draft system. The auction will take place on September 30 in Dubai, with player registration closing on September 10.
Ashwin himself confirmed his discussions with the organisers, saying: “Yes, I am in talks with the organisers. Hopefully, I will have a buyer if I register for the auction.” His statement is enough to spark excitement among franchises and fans alike.
Should Ashwin’s name feature in the list, it would mark a new beginning in franchise cricket for him, this time outside India. Sources suggest he may already have received informal assurances from teams eager to secure his services.
Why Ashwin in ILT20 is Big News
Ashwin’s career speaks volumes. A veteran of 282 international matches across formats, he has been a match-winner for India for over a decade. His presence in the IPL since 2009 made him a household name, where he represented five different franchises—Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals—playing 221 IPL matches in total.
His tactical brilliance, ability to read the game, and unmatched skills as an off-spinner make him a rare asset. Beyond bowling, Ashwin has often contributed with the bat, making him a true all-rounder.
The fact that he could now appear in ILT20 also brings hope for fans who wish to see more Indian names in global T20 leagues. So far, only a handful like Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan and Ambati Rayudu have featured in the UAE competition. Ashwin, with his stature, would raise the league’s profile to a whole new level.
The Bigger Picture
Interestingly, Ashwin is not limiting himself to ILT20. Reports suggest he is also eyeing roles in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US and The Hundred in England next year. More than just a player, he is expected to bring in his experience as a mentor or coach—making him a player-cum-strategist for any side that picks him.
The ILT20 franchises, including MI Emirates, Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai Capitals, and Desert Vipers, will surely be weighing the value Ashwin can add. If signed, he could become the face of the league and an inspiration for other Indian cricketers looking at opportunities abroad.
What Lies Ahead
With stars like Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, and many more already signed up for ILT20, the competition promises to be a blockbuster. But the inclusion of Ashwin would give it an extra spark, bridging Indian cricket’s legacy with the global T20 stage.
For fans, the thought of watching Ashwin weave his magic again—even outside IPL—feels like a blessing. His journey proves that passion for cricket never retires, it only finds new grounds to flourish.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on media reports, player statements, and publicly available information. The details regarding auctions and franchise interest are subject to official confirmation. Readers are advised to follow official ILT20 announcements for verified updates.
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