The ILT20 auction 2025 left everyone in awe when Ravichandran Ashwin, a former India spinner, went unsold despite being the name from India's pool of biggest names. Ashwin, who is India's second-leading wicket-taker in international cricket, had put down a base price of USD 120,000 and everyone was expecting him to be one of the top selections. No team even made a bid for him, leaving the fans and experts shocked. Simon Doull Reveals Why Ashwin Did Not Get Sold Simon Doull, ex-New Zealand pacer, brought to light the surprising development of Ashwin withdrawing from the auction in the final minute. The reason for the withdrawal was cited by Doull as the prime cause for no franchise to bid. In a live streaming on YouTube, Doull said: "We're hearing that he may have pulled out of the auction, which is a massive surprise. I mean, you've got to read the room." Doull also criticized Ashwin for underestimating the situation, expressing that a number of teams had sufficient funds remaining in their purse to purchase him. Also Read | Ravichandran Ashwin to Represent India in Hong Kong Sixes 2025 He added: "You've got to understand what's going on out there and all that money left, when there are 3-4 teams with over $400,000 left in their pot. I don't think they came here not wanting to spend money, it’s there to be spent. If he pulled himself out, then he just hasn't read the room. I think sides would have gone in for him." Ashwin’s Future After IPL Retirement Ashwin's absence in the ILT20 auction is all the more surprising since he had confirmed in August 2025 that he was retiring from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 39-year-old confirmed that he would like to try out other global T20 leagues. The move came after a subpar stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he managed only seven wickets from nine games in IPL 2025. Most expected the ILT20 to be a new beginning in his T20 career, but the surprise auction has put doubts about his future. So far, Ashwin has not publicized his side of the story as to whether indeed he pulled out of the auction. For now, the speculation on his ILT20 snub keeps building.