R Ashwin:Having retired from the IPL last month, veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin is set to foray into the exciting world of T20 leagues across the globe. His first destination is very likely to be the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26, while there are chances of him featuring in either the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 or the SA20 2025-26.
Ashwin is the fifth-leading wicket-taker in IPL history, having claimed 187 victims in 221 matches while playing for five different franchises.
In his retirement post on social media, the 38-year-old Ashwin clearly mentioned that he now aims to start his journey as “an explorer of the game around various leagues.”
He is India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker and retired from international cricket last year, during the tour of Australia. Now that he’s retired from the IPL as well, and apparently from all forms of cricket in India, Ashwin will become eligible to ply his trade in the T20 circuit in other countries.
His good friend and Tamil Nadu mate Dinesh Karthik has already charted this route when he became the first Indian player to participate in the SA20 competition earlier this year.
A major T20 league coming up later this year is the ILT20 tournament in the UAE, which will begin on December 2, with its final slated for January 4.
When and where will R Ashwin play next?
R Ashwin has confirmed to Cricbuzz that he is likely to put his name in the ILT20 auction. “Yes, I am in talks with the organisers. Hopefully, I will have a buyer if I register for the auction,” the off-spinner said to Cricbuzz. Given his experience and quality, he is certain to get picked for a hefty amount in the auction, which will be conducted on September 30 in Dubai.
Previously, some high-profile former Indian cricketers who have been part of the ILT20 are Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, and Yusuf Pathan.
Further, Ashwin could also be seen donning a BBL jersey, as Cricket Australia are eager to have him on board for their premier T20 competition.
Will R Ashwin play in the BBL?
Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has been in discussions with R Ashwin about making a few appearances in the BBL 2025/26. Given the handsome amount the star Australian players have received even for a handful of matches in the BBL—David Warner was reportedly paid AUD 80,000 per match two seasons ago—Ashwin could eventually get on board.
“To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels. He’s a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our cricket summer,” the CA CEO told Cricbuzz.
The BBL 2025/26 season is set to commence on December 14 and run until January 25. So even if Ashwin signs for an entire ILT20 season, he could be available for around 20 days of BBL action, including the knockouts.
Next year, we could see Ashwin playing in the MLC in the USA and The Hundred in England.
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