Aakash Chopra has reacted strongly to Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League and his interest in global leagues. In his post on X, Ashwin confirmed leaving the IPL, and reports suggest he could join The Hundred in England next season.
Chopra acknowledged Ashwin’s IPL legacy but questioned if other Indian cricketers would follow the same path.
“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?” he said.
Aakash Chopra on the Financial Roadblock for Indian Players
Chopra explained that money remains a key factor preventing most Indian players from choosing foreign leagues.
“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,” he observed.
He stressed that Ashwin’s case is rare.
“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 ₹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? Ashwin is charting a new course, and too many Indian players will not be a part of this course with him,” Chopra reasoned.
BCCI Rules and Previous Examples
Ashwin is not the first Indian cricketer to take this step. Dinesh Karthik retired earlier and played for Paarl Royals in the SA20 league.
Despite foreign boards wanting top Indian stars, BCCI rules block active Indian cricketers from playing in overseas leagues. Only after retiring from all forms of Indian cricket—international and domestic—can players take part.
Ashwin’s move has opened debate, but Chopra believes too many Indian players will not follow his path.
Stay tuned for all the Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Cricket updates!