R Ashwin announces 'new beginning' in IPL career; quits CSK

Senior Indian off-spinner R Ashwin on Wednesday has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has revealed that he available to play the other leagues across the globe. Ashwin was currently with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and his future in the franchise was in question."Special day and hence a special beginning," Ashwin wrote on X. "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."The 38-year-old Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, was bought for Rs 9.75 crore in the mega auction before the 2025 season.It was a homecoming of sorts for the Chennai-based player, who earlier turned up for CSK from 2009 to 2015.He later went on to play for the now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giant and the then Kings XI Punjab (currently Punjab Kings) in 2018.He played nine games in the season gone by, picking up just seven wickets in a largely disappointing season for the team as it finished bottom of the heap with four wins and 10 losses.