New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) – Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating he now intends to explore playing opportunities in overseas T20 competitions.
In a post on his ‘X’ account, Ashwin wrote: “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 journey as an explorer of the game across various leagues begins.”
He thanked all IPL franchises, the league, and the BCCI for the experiences and relationships built over the years, adding that he looks forward to “making the most of what’s ahead.”
Ashwin concludes his IPL career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2. The Chennai-born spinner began and finished his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), playing a key role in their title victories in 2010 and 2011.
In IPL 2025, a difficult season for CSK where they finished last, Ashwin played nine games, taking seven wickets at an economy of 9.13 and was dropped from the XI for a stretch due to lacklustre performances.
Over the years, Ashwin also represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and captained Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab). With the bat, he scored 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, including one half-century.
Ashwin had earlier retired from international cricket following the Brisbane Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024.
IANS understands that Ashwin, who was initially expected to enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction, has been in talks with multiple stakeholders about joining overseas leagues. His retirement now opens up opportunities in the Big Bash League (Australia), SA20 (South Africa), ILT20 (UAE), The Hundred (England), and the CPL (West Indies).
He follows the path of his former Tamil Nadu and India teammate Dinesh Karthik, who retired from the IPL in June 2024 and later featured for Paarl Royals in the SA20.
