Ashwin Registers for ILT20 Auction, Likely to Join BBL This Season

R Ashwin no longer has to choose between playing in the UAE or Australia. Instead of facing a tough decision between the ILT20 and the Big Bash League (BBL), it now seems he will get to do both. The experienced spinner, who earlier would have had to pick one because the tournaments clash at the end of the year, is now likely to play in both leagues.

Cricbuzz reports that Ashwin, one of India’s best spinners, has signed up for the ILT20 auction and is also likely to play in Australia’s BBL.

He has received offers from several teams, including Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes led by Ricky Ponting, and Adelaide Strikers led by Tim Paine. Naturally, he will have to pick one team to play for. Ashwin, who announced his retirement from the IPL in August, is now eligible to play in overseas leagues - a privilege not available to players still involved in Indian tournaments under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) - and is making the most of this liberty.

He has been in negotiations with ILT20 organisers for quite some time and has finally registered for the October 1 auction. In the BBL, he has also been in talks with a few franchises and is expected to formally sign up with one of the four sides mentioned above. The main challenge will be handling the schedule since some matches of the two tournaments overlap.

Ashwin Eyes ILT20, BBL, and Overseas Leagues

The ILT20 takes place from December 2 to January 4, while the BBL starts on December 14 and ends on January 25. Right now, Ashwin plans to play in the ILT20 first and then go to Australia for the BBL, but he won’t be available for all BBL matches this year. A direct entry was not possible this year in the ILT20 as all six franchises have completed their direct signings.

"I have registered for the auction. Hopefully, one of the six franchises will be interested in bidding for me," Ashwin said, confirming his enrollment for the auction, which is being held for the first time in four seasons in the UAE league.

Ashwin hasn’t spoken about the BBL yet, but it looks like a decision will be made in a few days. Regarding other overseas leagues, he will probably play in either Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA or The Hundred in the UK. There’s still enough time to sort out the formalities for these tournaments.

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