Ashwin’s Absence from SA20 Auctions Sparks Speculation

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin notably did not appear on the player auction list for SA20 2026, raising questions about the reasons behind his absence. Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ashwin had been linked to various overseas franchise leagues. Recently, he revealed his intention to participate in two to three leagues annually and mentioned openness to a coaching role within a franchise. Despite speculation that he would enter the SA20 auction, his name was conspicuously absent, leading to widespread curiosity.

Initially, there were suggestions that Ashwin’s absence might be due to the BCCI’s one-year “cooling-off requirement.” This policy, proposed in 2023, previously affected players like Ambati Rayudu, who had to withdraw from the Major League Cricket (MLC) after retiring from the IPL. However, various reports indicate that the policy was eventually retracted following player dissatisfaction.

Focus on ILT20 Participation

According to Wisden, Ashwin’s decision not to participate in the SA20 auction is not related to any restrictions but rather his interest in the ILT20 auction pool. The ILT20 tournament is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2024, overlapping significantly with the SA20, which kicks off in December and runs for a month. Given the timing, Ashwin has opted to compete in the ILT20 instead.

Ashwin’s cricketing journey has seen significant changes recently. In early 2023, he announced his retirement from Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a decision that surprised many in the cricketing community. Following his exit from international formats, he returned to the Chennai Super Kings for the IPL, though the team finished last for the first time in the tournament’s history. During that season, Ashwin had a modest performance, taking seven wickets in nine matches, marking a challenging chapter in his career.

As Ashwin navigates this new phase, his focus appears to be on international leagues, with many eager to see how he performs in the upcoming ILT20. His absence from the SA20 auction not only highlights the shifting dynamics of player participation in global leagues but also raises questions about how former international players will manage their careers post-retirement.