TimesofIndia.com in Dubai:Ravichandran Ashwin, who described his post-IPL chapter as the start of his journey as an “explorer of the game across leagues,” is all set to play in the ILT20 League.“We’re having very positive conversations with Ashwin, and hopefully we’ll have positive news in the near future,” ILT20 CEO David White told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“If we can have a player of his stature, it would be huge. He is a world-class, generational talent. He has over 500 Test wickets, an outstanding ODI and T20I career, and what a cricket brain. A charismatic figure, an intellect of the game. If he plays in the ILT20, we will be delighted,” said White.
The legendary spinner has also spoken about exploring roles where he can both play and coach.When asked how open the ILT20 is to such a role, White said: “I think we’re very open to anything like that. Not only his playing and coaching, but also his analytical skills. He has his own media company, which he’s working on. He’s a very clever guy. We would welcome all aspects.” White further stated that he is positive Ashwin will play in the ILT20. “We hope to get him. Let’s see what happens. Very positive for the moment,” he said.Last month, Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and highlighted that he now aims to explore playing in overseas T20 leagues.“Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending has a new start. My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” Ashwin wrote on X.Ashwin ends his IPL career as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 scalps in 221 games at an economy rate of 7.2.“Of course, I won’t be playing everywhere for 10 months,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.“Whatever each team’s requirements are, and the ones I satisfy, I’ll play in those leagues. I’ve already registered for one, so let’s see how that pans out.”
