Months after quitting international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ended a legendary career that saw him become one of the league's prominent faces over a career that lasted 16 years post his debut in the second season in 2009. Ashwin's retirement came as a surprise, as it came just months after he was signed for Rs. 9.75 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. However, the homecoming did not go to plan as the star spinner played just nine matches and the five-time champions finished last on the table. After his international retirement, Ashwin had made his desire to play cricket at the club level, and it was expected that he would play IPL for a few more years. However, the star spinner decided to quit the IPL amid rumours that CSK will either trade or release him? Why Did R Ashwin Have To Retire? The star spinner pointed out on his social media, declaring retirement, that he wants to explore leagues around, which is the reason behind quitting the IPL. With his decision to quit the world's richest cricket league not only has Ashwin opened up the chance to play various leagues for former players like the Legends Cricket League, Masters League, World Championship of Legends (WCL), but he can now also play franchise cricket leagues of other countries like the SA20, Big Bash League, Major League Cricket League, the Hundred, and the Carribean Premier League. Many of these teams have Indian owners and sister teams of IPL franchise-based leagues. Also Read: R Ashwin's Legendary IPL Career In Numbers - Serial Finalist, Powerplay Revolutionary, Trendsetter For those unversed, the BCCI does not allow any player to play for India or participate in any BCCI-affiliated competition, including the IPL and domestic competitions, if they have played for any overseas-based T20 leagues or non-BCCI T20 events. Hence, Ashwin could not have played both the IPL and featured in foreign T20 leagues. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Asia Cup 2025 and around the Sports.