New Delhi, Aug 28
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has raised questions about the broader implications of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League, asking whether the move made by him could pave the way for other Indian cricketers to participate in overseas T20 leagues.
Ashwin announced on Wednesday that he has ended his IPL career and will explore playing in franchise T20 leagues. Soon after, reports from England suggested he might take part in The Hundred next year.
Chopra said: “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?â€
On his YouTube channel on Thursday, Chopra added: “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.â€
Ashwin finished his IPL career as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 scalps in 221 games at an economy rate of 7.2. He began and ended his IPL journey with his home-city franchise, Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions.
During his IPL stint he also played for now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, and he captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). With the bat, Ashwin amassed 833 runs in the IPL at a strike rate of 118, including one fifty.
Before Ashwin, wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik had retired from the IPL after the 2024 season and went on to play in SA20 for Paarl Royals. Chopra observed that Ashwin is writing a different story and that his glorious IPL career should be lauded.
“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 IPL contract. Everyone cannot do that,†Chopra said.
“If someone is bought for less money, no one buys him outside either. If someone is getting good money here, why would he leave? Ashwin is charting a new course, and currently too many Indian players will not be a part of this course with him. Let’s celebrate Ravichandran Ashwin. He has done incredible things with a clean action in a tough format for finger spinners. Constantly outthinking the batter — it seems like he hasn’t bowled two similar balls,†he concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Actually, I think this is good for Indian cricket. Our players get exposure to different conditions and leagues. Ashwin is experienced enough to make this call. Respect his decision! ðŸ‘
Only established stars like Ashwin and Karthik can afford this. Young players need IPL money and visibility. This won't become a trend for most Indian cricketers.
As someone who follows global cricket, I think BCCI should reconsider this policy. Other countries' players participate in multiple leagues and it improves their game. Why restrict Indian talent?
Ashwin has earned this right after serving Indian cricket for so many years. Let the man enjoy his cricket wherever he wants. He's given us enough memories! ðŸ
Chopra makes a valid point though. If many players start doing this, it could dilute the IPL's quality. BCCI needs clear guidelines for such cases.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.