The end of one journey often signals the start of another, and that may well be the case with Ravichandran Ashwin. In a move that surprised fans, the veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, closing the chapter on an illustrious 16-season career.
Ashwin expressed gratitude towards the BCCI and the IPL, thanking them for the “wonderful memories” and lifelong relationships he built over the years. For the Chennai-born cricketer, the journey came full circle as he began his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and concluded it by once again donning the yellow jersey of his home franchise.
ALSO READ: RCB Break Silence With ‘RCB CARES’ After Stampede Tragedy at IPL Title Celebration
However, Ravichandran Ashwin may not be stepping away from cricket entirely. His wife, Prithi Narayanan, hinted at new beginnings in a heartfelt message on social media. “I love you @rashwin99! Can’t wait to see you do new things and scale new heights,” she wrote, sparking speculation about Ashwin’s future beyond the IPL.
Reports suggest the 37-year-old spinner is keen on becoming the first Indian men’s cricketer to feature in The Hundred, England’s 100-ball competition. According to The Telegraph, Ravichandran Ashwin is also exploring opportunities to play in other global leagues, potentially starting as early as the next season.
ALSO READ: “If someone has a problem, tell me” – Mohammad Shami retirement questions ahead of 2025 Asia Cup
His decision to retire from the IPL holds greater significance due to the BCCI’s strict stance. As per current rules, active Indian men’s players are not permitted to participate in overseas franchise leagues, in order to preserve the exclusivity of the IPL. With retirement from the tournament, Ravichandran Ashwin now clears that barrier, paving the way for him to test his skills on new stages around the world.
For fans, Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement marks the end of an era, but also the exciting beginning of a global chapter in his cricketing journey.
