After IPL retirement, R Ashwin keen to play in The Hundred: Report

After announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League, Indian spin-bowling great Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly keen on continuing his career in franchise cricket across the globe.

According to Telegraph Sport, England’s The Hundred could be his next big destination, with the 2026 edition expected to feature his name.

Ashwin’s announcement came as a surprise to many, especially amidst ongoing rumours of a possible trade deal in which the veteran off-spinner was tipped to be used as a makeweight. Instead, the 37-year-old took to social media to announce his retirement from the IPL, while also revealing that he intends to explore opportunities in overseas franchise leagues.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintains a strict policy that prohibits active domestic cricketers from playing in overseas leagues. This means that Ashwin would only be eligible to feature abroad after stepping away from the IPL. The precedent was set recently by fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who, after retiring from the IPL in 2024, turned out for Paarl Royals in the SA20 during the 2025 season.

What makes Ashwin’s potential move intriguing is the ownership overlap between IPL and Hundred franchises. Nearly half the teams in The Hundred are either partially or fully owned by Indian groups who already run IPL sides, which could open the door for a smooth transition for Ashwin into the league.

With 765 international wickets across formats, Ashwin’s experience and stature could provide The Hundred with a much-needed boost in both competitiveness and global viewership. His presence could also enhance the profile of the tournament as it looks to expand its audience and challenge the dominance of the IPL.

However, Ashwin has not yet confirmed his participation, and it remains to be seen whether a franchise will secure his services. The highest salary bracket in The Hundred is set at 200,000 (approximately 2.35 crore rupees), a figure well within the range for a player of Ashwin’s calibre.

If the deal materialises, it would mark the next chapter in the career of one of India’s most decorated spinners.