The next edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) is scheduled in the UAE from December 2 to January 4.
Ravichandran Set for Potential ILT20 Comeback After IPL Retirement
Fresh from his IPL retirement and earlier exit from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to return to competitive action later this year. The veteran spinner could feature in the upcoming International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, scheduled from December 2 to January 4.
According to Cricbuzz, ILT20 organisers are in talks with Ashwin, who may enter the auction after completing the league’s enrolment formalities. The registration process is ongoing, with September 10 set as the final date to submit names for the auction. While the league previously used a draft system, this season it will follow an auction-based player selection format.
Ravichandran Eyes Overseas T20 Leagues After IPL Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin has confirmed that he is in discussions with league organisers and is likely to enter the upcoming auction. “Yes, I am in talks with the organisers. Hopefully, I will have a buyer if I register for the auction,” Ashwin said. The auction is scheduled for September 30 in Dubai.
If picked, Ashwin would be the biggest Indian name to feature in the league so far. While former India cricketers Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan were previously picked, neither played a match. Ambati Rayudu remains the only Indian to have appeared in an ILT20 game, playing eight matches for MI Emirates. Ashwin reportedly reached out to ILT20 after receiving “some assurances from teams.”
The 38-year-old ended his international career in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing with 537 wickets—the seventh-highest in Test history. Last Wednesday, he also retired from the IPL, having played 221 matches across five franchises: Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. Reports suggest Ashwin is exploring player-cum-coach roles in overseas leagues, including Major League Cricket in the US and The Hundred in England next year.
