Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from IPL, Eyes Global T20 Leagues
Ashwin's Retirement Announcement
Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made headlines with his recent announcement regarding his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the upcoming season. On August 27, Ashwin surprised fans and the cricket community by declaring his exit from the lucrative league, having last played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Reasons Behind His Decision
The 38-year-old took to his social media platform to share his reflections on his IPL journey, expressing a desire to pursue opportunities in international T20 leagues. He conveyed heartfelt thanks to the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the franchises he represented for the 'wonderful memories' he created during his career.
Ashwin's unexpected retirement follows reports of his departure from Chennai Super Kings, where he returned last season after a decade. He sought clarity on his role within the team and was open to leaving if he felt he was not part of their plans.
Ashwin's Insights on IPL Challenges
While Ashwin had previously shown interest in exploring other T20 leagues, he revealed the primary reason for stepping away from the IPL during his YouTube show, 'Kutti Stories.' He mentioned that the three-month duration of the IPL, including travel and matches, had become too 'draining' for him, especially at his age.
He stated, 'Three months of IPL is a little too much for me. It’s draining. This is one of the reasons why I’m awe-struck by seeing someone like MS Dhoni. As you grow older, the bandwidth to play IPL becomes lesser.'
Ashwin's IPL Journey and Statistics
Ravichandran Ashwin began his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings in 2009 and later played for various teams, including Rising Pune Super Giants, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, before returning to CSK. His performance in IPL 2025 was not ideal, as he managed to take only seven wickets in nine matches.
He retires as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with a total of 187 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, boasting an average of 30.22 and an economy rate of 7.20 across 221 matches.
Future Plans in Global T20 Leagues
Following his IPL retirement, Ashwin shared his plans to participate in overseas leagues, emphasizing the freedom that comes with playing outside India. He mentioned, 'Of course, I won’t be playing anywhere and everywhere for 10 months. Whatever each team’s requirements are, and the ones I satisfy, I’ll play in those leagues. I’ve already registered for one of the leagues and so let us see how that pans out.'
He expressed excitement about playing globally, stating, 'Playing around the world outside India is fun, as nobody knows who you are. You can enjoy it thoroughly. Bowling without any pressure will almost make the ball land perfectly on the spot, and even if it doesn’t, it’s fine, as I will finally enjoy playing with joy. I want to play on the global stage the way I played street cricket.'
Ashwin's Eligibility for Global Leagues
By retiring from both international cricket and the IPL, Ravichandran Ashwin is no longer affiliated with the BCCI, allowing him to participate in any leagues of his choice. According to BCCI regulations, contracted Indian players cannot play in overseas leagues, but Ashwin's retirement frees him to engage in global T20 competitions.
Reports indicate that Ashwin is eyeing 'The Hundred' to make his debut in English cricket next season, aiming to leverage his extensive experience and spin skills in the league.