Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has already decided on his next endeavor after declaring his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. Ashwin is eager to compete in the Hundred competition in England next year, making him the first Indian male player to do so, according to a Telegraph Sport report.
One of the best spinners to ever play cricket, Ashwin returned from international cricket in December of last year, halfway through the Australian Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. His career-ending tally of 537 wickets was the seventh-highest in Test history. In the midst of the continuous rumors about his trade from the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin ended his IPL career on Wednesday.
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After cutting all connections with the BCCI, Ashwin said on social media that he is prepared to enter foreign cricket competitions.
"Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years, and most importantly the IPL and the BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what's ahead of me," Ashwin said in a statement.
After retiring from the IPL, Ashwin reportedly "identified the Hundred as a competition in which he would be eager to appear," according to Telegraph Sport.
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Since Ashwin is no longer under a BCCI contract, he shouldn't have any problems playing in The Hundred. For those who are unaware, male cricketers from India are prohibited from playing in international T20 leagues per BCCI regulations until they retire from all levels of Indian cricket. Nonetheless, there is no such problem for female cricket players, and a number of Indian women cricketers have played in The Hundred in the past.
The Hundred will return next year with teams rebranded under new identities following a major stake sale earlier this year. With fresh owners at the helm, the demand for marquee players is set to grow, putting Ashwin firmly on the radar. Four of the eight franchises are now linked to IPL ownership groups, making them frontrunners to pursue the Indian spinner, though interest from the remaining sides is also expected.
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