Why is R Ashwin absent from the SA20 auction after his IPL retirement? Explore the full story and the mystery behind his decision (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, was supposed to be a part of the SA20 2026 player auction. But when the list was unveiled, there was no sight of 38-year-old veteran's name, and rumors began within the cricket world.
Ashwin has previously spoken about his post-IPL career, expressing interest in playing two to three franchise leagues annually and even hinted at taking up coaching roles in the future. His absence from the South African league’s auction list has therefore raised eyebrows.
Initially, several reports suggested that Ashwin might have been affected by the BCCI’s earlier one-year “cooling-off” requirement. The rule, proposed in 2023, restricted retired IPL players from immediately participating in overseas leagues.
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu was the initial big-name casualty of this policy when he had to pull out of Major League Cricket (MLC) shortly after his IPL retirement. But subsequent reports later revealed that this ban was revoked following protests from players.
It is reported that Ashwin's failure to feature in the SA20 list of auctions is not related to BCCI regulations but to his own preference. The off-spinner is said to have developed more interest in the International League T20 (ILT20), which will take place in the UAE simultaneously with SA20.
With scheduling conflicts on the cards, Ashwin is said to have given more priority to ILT20 over South African competition.
Ashwin stunned fans when he retired from Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last year, retiring after the third Test in Brisbane. He later declared his full retirement from international cricket, ending an illustrious career.
After his global departure, Ashwin remained on at the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His last season, though, was no cause for nostalgia CSK was last-placed in franchise history for the first time, and Ashwin mustered only seven wickets in nine games. His Chepauk farewell match was an emotional process, finishing a long Indian cricket journey.
Though he has called time on Indian cricket, Ashwin is not yet finished with the sport. The possibility of his return in ILT20, combined with prospects in other T20 leagues down the line, means that cricket fans will still be able to watch him play. Plus, his willingness to step into coaching could be the prelude to a second cricket innings on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin's absence in the SA20 auction reminds us of the changing priorities of a veteran who is still deciding his legacy, even outside Indian cricket.
