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 .
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 .
| 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) |
Analysts speculate several reasons:
Still, many fans and experts call the snub “baffling,” given Ashwin’s recent form in the IPL and his tactical acumen.
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.
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