Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold at the ILT20 auction in Dubai on Wednesday, despite entering the bidding with the highest base price of USD 120,000. The veteran cricketer, however, could still feature in the tournament as teams have the option of signing players later through the wildcard route.
Ashwin, 39, had recently retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL), which allowed him to register for overseas franchise leagues like ILT20. Despite his reputation as one of India’s finest spinners, no team made a bid for him in either the regular or accelerated auction rounds.
The Chennai-born spinner had earlier announced his retirement from international cricket midway through India’s tour of Australia last year, ending a celebrated career in which he became one of the country’s most successful bowlers. 
Even though he missed out on ILT20, Ashwin will remain active in franchise cricket. Just last week, he signed a deal with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), becoming the first high-profile Indian cricketer to officially participate in the Australian competition. He is also expected to play for India in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament in November, keeping him in the spotlight.
At the ILT20 auction, other players managed to attract attention. Dubai Capitals signed former Vidarbha spinner and Ranji Trophy winner Akshay Wakhare, while Abu Dhabi Knight Riders picked up Unmukt Chand, the former India Under-19 World Cup-winning captain who now represents the USA in international cricket.
