R Ashwin Announces Retirement from IPL to Explore Global Leagues

Veteran Indian cricketer R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), effective immediately. The off-spinner shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) this morning, stating his intention to "explore the game around various leagues" worldwide.

Ashwin, who ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2, began and ended his IPL career with his home-city team, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Over the years, he also played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, and even captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).

This retirement from the IPL follows his earlier retirement from international cricket in December 2024, which he announced during India’s tour of Australia.

The IPL 2025 season marked a challenging return for Ashwin to CSK after eight years. Acquired for INR 9.75 crore at the mega auction, he played in only nine of the 14 matches, his lowest participation since his debut season in 2009. His performance was also uncharacteristically expensive, with an economy rate of 9.12 runs per over—the first time it had gone above 8.49 in his career.

With this move, Ashwin is now free to play in overseas T20 leagues, a path previously taken by his Tamil Nadu teammate, Dinesh Karthik, who retired from the IPL in June 2024. The BCCI's policy prohibits any active Indian international or domestic player from participating in foreign T20 leagues. To play abroad, Ashwin will also have to step away from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

Potential leagues for Ashwin include Australia's BBL, South Africa's SA20, the UAE's ILT20, England's The Hundred, and the CPL in the West Indies, should franchises be interested in his services.