R Ashwin explained his decision to pull out of the International League T20 (ILT20) auction after he didn’t get any bid during the event on Wednesday, October 1. Ashwin withdrew from the auction after not attracting any bids in the first round, and has now opted instead to participate in the full Big Bash League (BBL) season with the Sydney Thunder. The decision follows his initial registration for the ILT20 at a base price of 120,000 US Dollars, the highest amongst registered players, but with no franchise showing interest, Ashwin pulled out of subsequent auction rounds.
Ashwin clarified that he had no intention of compromising on his base price and was ready to step away from the league if his valuation was not met. In a statement, Ashwin said,
“That’s the price I wanted as a bare minimum, and I’m happy not to play at this stage of my career if my value isn’t met.”
The former India spinner had considered withdrawing from the ILT20 auction even before it began, given his agreement with Sydney Thunder. However, he honoured his earlier commitment to be part of the ILT20 auction process.
“I was about to pull out a few days before the auction because of the Thunder deal, but since I had already committed to the ILT20 that I would enter the auction, I honoured my word. However, I did not agree to lowering my base price,” said Ashwin.
