Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media on Wednesday to announcement his retirement from the IPL, paving the way for the Indian great to become “an explorer of the game around various leagues”.
It is a landmark announcement for the off-spinner given male Indian players are prohibited from taking part in T20 franchise competitions other than the IPL.
The 38-year-old’s decision could lead to him becoming the first men’s Indian international to feature in the BBL, although for the coming summer it would need to be as a replacement player given the overseas draft has already been staged.
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Ashwin did not provide specific details on which leagues he may be headed to, but he will likely follow the lead of former Indian gloveman Dinesh Karthik, who retired from the IPL last year and played in the SA20 last summer.
The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League, which are both being played at present, are some of the other options now available to Ashwin in the future.
“Special day and hence a special beginning,” Ashwin posted on X.
“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.
“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 bookmarked his 16-year IPL career by playing for his hometown franchise, the Chennai Super Kings.
In between he captained the Punjab Kings and also spent time with Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
Ashwin is a two-time IPL champion with Chennai, and he is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 187 wickets.
He is also India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker of all time, having retired with 537 wickets midway through last summer’s Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Ashwin played in the day/night Test in Adelaide but he was left out of the side for the series opener in Perth and third Test in Brisbane.
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