Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an end to his long association with the tournament while confirming his availability for franchise cricket across the globe.
The 38-year-old off-spinner, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 season, took to social media on Wednesday to share the news. “They say every ending has a new beginning. My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my journey across other leagues begins now,” Ashwin wrote, expressing gratitude to the IPL, the BCCI, and the franchises he represented over the years.
For Ashwin, the 2025 season with CSK was a nostalgic return to his home franchise, having first played for the side between 2009 and 2015. Over his IPL career, he also featured for Rising Pune Supergiant and captained Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2018.
Bought by CSK for ₹9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction, Ashwin played nine matches this season, managing seven wickets in what turned out to be a disappointing campaign for the franchise. CSK ended at the bottom of the table with only four wins from 14 games.
Ashwin had already stepped away from international cricket last year, finishing with over 700 wickets across formats. His decision to now exit the IPL marks the end of an era for one of India’s most successful spinners.
“Special day and hence a special beginning,” he signed off in his announcement, indicating that fans could soon see him in action in other franchise leagues around the world.
