Former India opener Aakash Chopra has reflected on the wider implications of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL, suggesting that the veteran spinner’s decision could potentially open doors for other Indian cricketers to participate in overseas T20 leagues. On Wednesday, Ashwin announced the end of his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, expressing his intent to explore opportunities in franchise T20 leagues worldwide.

Reports from England indicate that Ashwin could feature in The Hundred next season, further extending his global T20 journey.

Aakash Chopra, on his YouTube channel, noted, “Ravichandran Ashwin has said goodbye to the IPL and is now planning to play different leagues across the globe. His IPL career has been terrific, but all good stories come to an end. Does this mean other Indian players can also go to play overseas?”

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He added, “Indian players aren’t allowed to play in other leagues to maintain the novelty of the IPL. To play abroad, you have to retire not just from international cricket but also from the IPL. That’s a significant caveat. Ashwin is taking a brave step, foregoing IPL money, but wherever he goes, he will succeed.”

Ashwin concluded his IPL career as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, claiming 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2. He began and ended his IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings, while also featuring for Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, and captaining Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). With the bat, he scored 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, including a fifty.

Before Ashwin, wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik retired from the IPL after 2024 and joined SA20’s Paarl Royals. Chopra believes Ashwin is charting a unique course, noting, “Few players take such bold decisions. Ashwin is leaving despite a ₹9.75 crore IPL contract. Not everyone can do that. He’s writing a new story for Indian cricketers, and his legacy as a masterful finger spinner deserves applause.”

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Chopra concluded, “Ashwin’s ability to constantly outthink batters and bowl variations with a clean action in a tough format has been remarkable. He hasn’t bowled two identical balls, and that’s what sets him apart. Let’s celebrate Ravichandran Ashwin’s incredible IPL journey and his next adventure on the global stage.”