R Ashwin Retires From IPL After 16 Seasons, Open To Playing Other T20 Leagues

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the standout figures in IPL history, has announced his retirement from the tournament after a remarkable 16-season career spanning five franchises. Ashwin, who returned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, concluded his stint with the league having taken 187 wickets, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He also ranks seventh in appearances, with 221 matches across all teams he represented.

Ashwin began his IPL journey in 2009 as a rookie with CSK and went on to become one of the tournament's leading performers. Across eight seasons with CSK, he claimed 97 wickets, the third-most for the five-time champions. He played a key role in CSK's early dominance, contributing to two IPL title wins and three runner-up finishes between 2010 and 2015. He also helped the team clinch Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

Beyond CSK, Ashwin captained Kings XI Punjab in 2018 and 2019 and represented several other franchises over his IPL career. On Wednesday, August 27, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his decision, writing:

"Special day and hence a special beginning. 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."

The 38-year-old hinted at the possibility of participating in other global franchise leagues, including SA20 and ILT20, whose player auctions are scheduled for next month. He also expressed gratitude to the franchises, IPL, and BCCI for the memories and relationships built over the years, adding, "Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what's ahead of me."

Ashwin's retirement marks the end of an era in the IPL, but his journey in global T20 cricket may be far from over.