Ashwin’s ILT20 Snub Sends Shockwaves Through Cricket World
In a stunning turn of events at the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) player auction, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold—despite his stellar domestic and international record. The surprise omission comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in cricket, as Pakistan’s board suspended all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players seeking overseas league participation just one day before the auction .
Only One Team Dared to Bid on Pakistan Players
Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) abrupt NOC suspension, Dubai Capitals—rebranded as Vipers for this season—were the only franchise to place bids on Pakistani talent. This bold move highlights the league’s ambition to remain globally inclusive, even amid administrative roadblocks .
ILT20 Auction: Key Takeaways
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unsold Star | R Ashwin (India) – 400+ IPL wickets, 2024 T20 World Cup winner |
| Pakistan NOC Status | Suspended by PCB on September 30, 2025 |
| Only Bidding Team for Pak Players | Vipers (formerly Dubai Capitals) |
| Total ILT20 Teams | 6 franchises |
| Ashwin’s Base Price | $75,000 (Platinum category) |
Why Was Ashwin Ignored?
Analysts speculate several reasons:
- Age & Role Concerns: At 39, teams may prefer younger spinners for high-intensity T20s.
- Squad Balance: Franchises prioritized power hitters and death bowlers.
- Market Saturation: Over 200 international stars in auction pool created fierce competition.
Still, many fans and experts call the snub “baffling,” given Ashwin’s recent form in the IPL and his tactical acumen.
What This Means for ILT20’s Global Credibility
The PCB’s NOC freeze and Ashwin’s exclusion raise questions about the league’s ability to attract top-tier talent consistently. Yet, the Vipers’ willingness to bid on Pakistani players—even without NOCs—signals potential for future diplomatic resolutions.