A few days after his retirement from IPL, R Ashwin has hinted at playing an overseas league. The Indian legend is likely to register for the ILT20 auction, scheduled for September 30. Ashwin has confirmed that he is in talks with the league’s organisers and is “hoping” to get a buyer.
Ashwin, if he plays ILT20, will create history and become the first-ever all-format Indian to feature in the T20 league. Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan have been part of the league in the past.
“Yes, I am in talks with the organisers. Hopefully, I will have a buyer if I register for the auction,” Ashwin told Cricbuzz. The high-profile league has drawn interest from around the globe. Ashwin, if he plays ILT20, will be the most famous player to feature in the league.
R Ashwin announced his retirement from IPL
R Ashwin made the shocking call to retire from IPL earlier this week. The veteran spinner had returned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after 10 years in the IPL 2025 mega-auction and looked set to have a long stint with them. But he decided to quit Indian cricket completely. Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024.
Ashwin’s IPL career
Ashwin was part of CSK from IPL 2008 to 2015. He made his IPL debut in 2009 and soon became their lead spinner. Ashwin moved to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) before IPL 2016. He only played one season for them. Ashwin missed IPL 2017 due to a sports hernia.
Ashwin captained Punjab Kings in IPL 2018 and 2019. He played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 and 2021. He played under Sanju Samson’s captaincy from IPL 2022 to 2024.
Ashwin finished his IPL career with 187 wickets in 221 matches. The right-arm off-spinner won two IPL titles with CSK in 2010 and 2011.