Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most excellent spinners, has officially entered the first-ever International League T20 (ILT20) auction, scheduled for October 1. According to ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin has set his base price at USD 120,000 (approximately ₹1.06 crore) — the highest in the auction pool. Remarkably, he is the only player among nearly 800 names to carry a six-figure base price.

Ashwin is part of 24 Indians on the ILT20 auction longlist. Much like the IPL, only players who attract confirmed interest from franchises will make the final cut for the auction. This will be the fourth edition of the ILT20, but for the first time, the league is moving away from its draft-based system to a full-fledged auction model.

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Earlier in July, franchises completed their retentions and direct signings, with a cap of USD 1.2 million. The remaining amount, combined with an auction purse of USD 800,000, gives teams a maximum spend of USD 2 million, with a mandatory minimum of USD 1.5 million. Additionally, sides can opt to sign up to two wildcard players outside the auction with an extra budget of USD 250,000.

R Ashwin, among the 24 Indians on the auction longlist, has listed a base price of USD 120,000 https://t.co/tHXurzBbUJ pic.twitter.com/5yIbapeCQa

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 23, 2025

This framework makes Ashwin’s listing particularly significant — any team bidding for him would likely commit the bulk of its budget. That alone is a testament to the veteran spinner’s unmatched stature and marketability. Having retired from Indian cricket earlier this year, Ashwin’s availability offers the ILT20 something no overseas league has achieved before — access to one of India’s modern greats with massive fan appeal.

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Reports also suggest Ashwin could combine playing with a mentorship or coaching role, adding more value for whichever franchise secures him. Following his ILT20 stint, the 38-year-old will head to Australia, where he is poised to become the first-ever capped Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League (BBL).