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Ravichandran Ashwin set to feature in both BBL and ILT20 later this year

Jatin

R Ashwin is set to play in the BBL and ILT20 [Source: @CricketQuickBuz/x.com]R Ashwin is set to play in the BBL and ILT20 [Source: @CricketQuickBuz/x.com]

For Ravichandran Ashwin, the cricketing map just got bigger. What once looked like a dilemma between the UAE’s ILT20 and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has now turned into a double delight.

Reports confirm Ravichandran Ashwin's BBL and ILT20 participation

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the veteran spinner is all set to feature in both leagues later this year, a rare twin assignment that shows his hunger to keep exploring new frontiers even after calling time on international cricket.

At 39, most players are winding down, but Ashwin has other plans. Ashwin recently quit the IPL, leaving behind a decorated career that saw him win two titles with Chennai Super Kings.

In his own words, he wanted to become an “explorer of the game around various leagues.” True to that promise, he has already registered for the ILT20 auction in the UAE and reports suggest he is almost certain to turn out in the BBL too.

BBL offers on the table

If reports from Cricbuzz are anything to go by, Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t short of suitors in Australia. Both Sydney sides, the Sixers and the Thunder have shown interest. Ricky Ponting’s Hobart Hurricanes and Tim Paine’s Adelaide Strikers are also keen to have him in their squads.

ILT20 is locked in

While the BBL offers are still being weighed, Ashwin’s presence in the ILT20 looks nailed on. With the auction coming up and franchises in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi constantly on the lookout for marquee names, Ashwin’s experience will be gold dust.

It’s also worth noting that while Indian women cricketers play in the WBBL, BCCI rules don’t allow contracted male players to feature in overseas leagues. Ashwin, having retired from international cricket last year, is free from those shackles and he is wasting no time in grabbing the opportunities.

The scheduling conflict

The big hurdle for Ashwin will be balancing his time. The ILT20 is set to run from December 2 to January 4, while the BBL kicks off on December 14 and finishes on January 25. That means some fixtures clash, making it nearly impossible for him to play full seasons of both tournaments.

As things stand, Ashwin is expected to start in the ILT20 before flying to Australia for the BBL, where his availability will be limited this year. He himself admitted the road to the UAE wasn’t straightforward. 

With all six ILT20 franchises already completing their direct signings, Ashwin revealed: “I have registered for the auction. Hopefully, one of the six franchises will be interested in bidding for me.”

Moreover, the reports state that Ashwin is also likely to feature in either Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA or The Hundred in the UK. There is still time for the formalities to be completed for those tournaments but the prospect of Ashwin spinning webs across three or even four franchise leagues in one calendar year is very much on the cards.