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Indian cricket great Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game, has officially retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision marks the end of his 16-year association with the IPL, starting in 2009 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Ashwin last played in the IPL too in CSK colors in season 2025, ending an epic run.

 

Ashwin had retired from international cricket earlier in December 2024, just prior to India's fifth Test against Australia. But his retirement from IPL now enables him to play within various overseas T20 leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL), SA20, The Hundred, etc., which he was not able to do while still remaining active in the IPL.

 

BCCI Rules for Indian Players in Overseas T20 Leagues

 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) controls the release of Indian cricketers to overseas franchise leagues strictly. A male Indian cricketer has to:

 

• Retire from international cricket
• Retire from home forms of cricket, including first-class and List A cricket
• Retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL)

 

Also Read | Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from IPL After 221 Matches

 

Indian cricketer sign contract with overseas teams only if he/she meet the above mentioned requirements. By this policy, active Indian players have stayed in Indian domestic and IPL competitions only, unlike other country players who play unrestrictedly in leagues across the globe.

 

Ashwin's retirement from all the formats of Indian cricket, including the IPL, now makes him eligible to play in international leagues. Cricket fans will see him playing in the BBL, CPL, SA20, or other tournaments in no time, prolonging his cricketing career abroad.

 

Ashwin's Legacy in IPL

 

In his IPL career, Ashwin played 220 matches, claiming 187 wickets with the best bowling of 4/34. He was also a good lower-order batter, scoring 833 runs with a top score of 50. Ashwin also belonged to CSK's championship-winning teams in 2010 and 2011 and played for other franchises like Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Rajasthan Royals.

 

Famous for his tactical mind and adaptability, Ashwin leaves behind an irrepressible legacy in the league. As much as his IPL career is over, audiences have every reason to expect to see him pitch his cricketing brain and skills into T20 leagues worldwide.

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