Ravi Ashwin explains his reason for withdrawal from ILT20, to play the full season of BBL for Sydney Thunder

Indian cricket legend R. Ashwin confirms his availability for the entire Big Bash League season 15 with the Sydney Thunder, after going unsold and withdrawing his name from the ILT20 auction. He cited his base price not being met as the reason for his ILT20 exit.

03 Oct 2025 12:35 IST

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On Wednesday, October 1, R Ashwin explained his decision to withdraw from the International League T20 (ILT20) auction after receiving no bids. After failing to draw any bids in the first round of the auction, Ashwin withdrew and has since chosen to play for the Sydney Thunder for the duration of the Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Following his first registration for the ILT20 at the highest base price among registered players of 120,000 US dollars, Ashwin withdrew from the following auction rounds after no franchise expressed interest in the first round.

He had previously been scheduled to join the BBL in January following his time with a potential ILT20 squad. The UAE season was scheduled to run from December 2 to January 4. He informed Cricbuzz that he had withdrawn from the ILT20 auction after it went unsold in the first round since his "value wasn't met" and his base price of USD 120,000 was the "bare minimum" he had agreed to. Ashwin also acknowledged that his BBL contract had made him think about leaving earlier.

Ashwin said that he was not ready to reduce his base price. “That’s the price I wanted as a bare minimum, and I’m happy not to play at this stage of my career if my value isn’t met,” Ashwin told Cricbuzz. Ashwin pulled out after going unsold in the first round.

"I had agreed verbally with ILT20 but then the franchise offers were pretty low because the direct signings had been closed by all teams," Ashwin told ESPNcricinfo. "Meanwhile, Thunder came with a good deal, but since I had verbally agreed with ILT20, I entered the auction saying this is the minimum price I want to play for, else I am happy going to the BBL," he said.

Trevor Baylis' Sydney Thunder placed third in the previous BBL season. As they strive for a successful campaign this year, Ashwin's experience is anticipated to strengthen their squad.

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