Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement From IPL; Hints At Playing In Foreign Leagues

Regarded as one of the most influential spinners in Indian cricket, Ravichandra Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The right-arm off spinner announced the decision via social media post, thanking BCCI and the IPL teams he has played for over the years.

Ashwin's IPL retirement comes on the back of his December 2024 retirement from international cricket.

Ashwin first played in the IPL back in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings. Since then, he featured in 221 IPL matches, playing for the likes of Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Super Giants and Kings XI Punjab.

The Chennai-born spinner was also a part of CSK's title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011.

During the course of his IPL career, Ashwin took 187 wickets in 221 matches - fifth highest in the history of the tournament.

Only Yuzvendra Chahal (221), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (198), Sunil Narine (192) and Piyush Chawla (192) have taken more wickets than Ashwin in the IPL.

With his IPL and international career over, Ashwin has hinted at playing in overseas leagues by tweeting, "My time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today."

Indian male cricketers are barred from taking part in foreign limited-overs tournaments while they are still active in Indian cricket, but they are allowed to join other leagues by retiring from all forms of cricket.