Ashwin Bids Goodbye To IPL After 16 Years, Plans To Play Other Franchise Leagues

Chennai Super Kings off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has hung up his boots in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after playing the tournament for 16 years. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year during the Australia tour, made the announcement on his social media. 

“Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have 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 his account, hinting that he would now look to play the other franchise T20 leagues across the globe. 

Ashwin was with five IPL teams in his 16-year-long career in the league, including CSK, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. He was bought by CSK in the last auction and he featured in the 2025 season in yellow for the side he began his IPL journey with. 

However, his performances weren't as desired, and he couldn't play all the games for his side. Overall, he has 187 wickets in 217 innings at an average of 30.2 and an economy of just 7.2 in the IPL. 

“Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” Ashwin added in his post while announcing the IPL retirement. 

If Ashwin goes on to feature in other leagues around the world, he'll be the second Indian to do so after Dinesh Karthik, who also announced retirement from India and IPL cricket to play in the SA20 for Paarl Royals. 

Ashwin has also now retired from both international and IPL cricket, and it remains to be seen which leagues he picks and chooses to play around the world, as he is still a very potent bowler in T20 cricket and has a lot to offer.