Ravichandran Ashwin retired in international cricket in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Series. But having been contracted by the five-time champions at INR 9.75 crore, he joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the following Indian premier league (IPL).
He declared his retirement from the IPL on ‘X’ (previously Twitter) on Wednesday, August 27. He stated his desire to participate in international leagues. For those who are unaware, unless a player retires from Indian cricket, the BCCI prohibits them from participating in foreign competitions. Ashwin is free to play in whichever league he wants worldwide after he announced his retirement from Indian cricket earlier this week.
Ashwin is taking a different route, turning down a hefty INR 9.75 crore IPL contract, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has said goodbye to the IPL as well, and he is now saying that he will go play the different leagues across the globe. He is charting a new course. His IPL career has been terrific, but all good stories come to an end, and his story ends here. Does it mean other Indian players can also go to play in other leagues?” Chopra questioned on his YouTube channel.
Chopra stated that although he thinks Ashwin would have possibilities in any league he chooses to play in, other players may find it difficult to do so due to the BCCI’s previously mentioned stringent regulations.
“Wherever he puts his name, he is going to get picked, and he will do very well. Indian players aren’t allowed to play in the other leagues to save the novelty of the IPL. If you have to go and play elsewhere, you have to retire not just from international cricket, but also from the IPL, and that’s a slightly big caveat. You can go and play somewhere else only if you say tata bye-bye to IPL money.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra hails Ravichandran Ashwin for breaking the norm with unique approach
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer Chopra believes that only a few Indian cricketers will be able to face the risk of retiring from the IPL despite having an enviable contract.
“There are very few players like that. Ravichandran Ashwin is doing something incredibly different. He is writing a different story as he is leaving despite having a Rs. 9.75 crore contract. Everyone cannot do that. If someone is bought for less money, no one buys him outside either. If someone is getting good money here, why would he leave?”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also gave Ashwin praise for his outstanding career. Despite not having a doosra delivery in his repertoire, the cricket player-turned-commentator praised him for succeeding in international cricket.
“Let’s celebrate Ravichandran Ashwin. Leaving aside the stats, he has done some incredible things. Absolutely clean action, there is no doosra, but he stayed consistently relevant as a bowler. This format is extremely difficult for a finger spinner. He has been outstanding. Constantly outthinking the batter. It seems like he hasn’t bowled two similar balls.”
Aakash Chopra
