Earlier than Ravichandran Ashwin’s abroad transfer, a number of retired gamers from the Indian Premier League (IPL) have joined T20 leagues overseas between 2018 and 2023. From the Caribbean to Canada and Sri Lanka, a number of former Indian gamers continued taking part in after retirement to maintain their careers alive, achieve worldwide publicity, and lift the profile of smaller leagues.
The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) doesn’t permit lively Indian cricketers to participate in abroad franchise leagues whereas they’re nonetheless taking part in home cricket or the IPL. As soon as a participant retires from each Worldwide cricket and IPL, they’re free to affix any
event overseas. Many of those cricketers not solely performed for an extended time but additionally helped convey worldwide consideration to the leagues they took half in. Right here’s a better have a look at the retired Indian IPL stars who performed in abroad T20 leagues earlier than Ashwin.
Munaf Patel, who was a member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, additionally joined the Kandy Tuskers within the LPL in 2020. A gentle quick bowler who had already retired from Indian cricket, his abroad comeback confirmed that bowlers, too, may discover short-term success in international leagues.
Although not at his peak tempo, Munaf introduced expertise and stability to the squad. Alongside Irfan Pathan his participation made the Kandy crew one of the talked-about franchises within the first version of the LPL.
Pravin Tambe holds the distinctive report of being the primary Indian cricketer to play within the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The leg-spinner, who made his IPL debut at 41 for Rajasthan Royals, surprised followers once more when he signed with Trinbago Knight Riders in 2020.
At 48, Tambe turned each the oldest debutant in CPL historical past and the primary Indian to seem within the league. His story proved that retiring from Indian cricket doesn’t must imply the top of a profession in franchise cricket. Although he performed just a few matches, his signing was historic and opened the best way for others to observe.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan additionally took the abroad route. Pathan joined the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2020, after being unsold within the IPL. He signed with the Kandy Tuskers. Though he performed just a few matches, his presence added expertise and depth to the crew.
Earlier Pathan had proven curiosity in taking part in within the CPL, his shift to Sri Lanka was seen as part of a rising development of former Indian gamers in search of possibilities in abroad leagues. His presence gave the crew essential steering and management, despite the fact that his performances on the sector weren’t as sturdy as in his prime.
India’s 2011 World Cup hero and one of the well-liked IPL stars, Yuvraj Singh, stepped into abroad cricket quickly after retiring in 2019. In the identical yr he joined the Toronto Nationals within the International T20 Canada League.
The league obtained an enormous reputation enhance by Yuvraj’s participation in it. His presence attracted followers, sponsors, and international viewership, proving the industrial worth Indian stars convey. Though his physique was not at its peak, his batting abilities and star energy added glamour to the event. Yuvraj additionally appeared in exhibition T10 tournaments within the USA and UAE, additional establishing himself as a real international T20 freelancer after retirement.
After having fun with a profitable IPL profession with Chennai Tremendous Kings, Ambati Rayudu joined St Kitts & Nevis Patriots within the 2023 Caribbean Premier League after retiring from the IPL. His inclusion was notable as he had gained a number of IPL titles, and this late-career transfer gave him an opportunity to play in new circumstances.
Although Rayudu’s interval within the CPL was brief, his signing confirmed that abroad leagues are keen to herald skilled Indian gamers to develop their picture and draw extra followers.
After a legendary profession as India’s premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin retired from worldwide cricket in December 2024 and from the IPL in August 2025. With BCCI restrictions not making use of, Ashwin turned eligible to function in abroad T20 leagues.
Quickly after, he registered for the UAE’s ILT20 public sale and entered talks with Large Bash League (BBL) franchises in Australia. His upcoming participation makes him one of the high-profile Indian gamers to take this route. Not like earlier retirees, Ashwin remains to be extremely aggressive and carries immense worth as each a world-class spinner and a tactical chief. His transfer is about so as to add international credibility to whichever league he joins, whereas additionally inspiring different lively stars nearing retirement.
Conclusion
Retired Indian IPL gamers equivalent to Pravin Tambe, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, and Ambati Rayudu went on to play in abroad T20 leagues forward of Ravichandran Ashwin. Their strikes weren’t nearly taking part in extra cricket, they broke boundaries, helped
smaller leagues get extra recognition, and gave followers new pleasure with outdated stars. These gamers confirmed that Indian expertise is valued worldwide. Additionally they proved that cricket careers can go on even after leaving the IPL.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
