More Indian players in The Hundred – Ashwin

Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin does not think India players will compete in The Hundred or other international franchise leagues any time soon.

Ashwin, 39, retired from international cricket in 2024 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) a year later, and has been playing franchise cricket globally since.

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) rules prevent its men’s players from playing in other T20 franchise leagues.

However, there has been hope some of India’s best players might play in similar competitions around the world since investment into four of The Hundred’s teams by IPL-backed owners.

In September 2025, Ashwin was picked up by Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League as the first Indian men’s player to feature in the tournament but he had to withdraw with a knee injury.

He is currently playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the United States’ Major League Cricket.

When asked if India players could play in other leagues besides the IPL, Ashwin told the BBC’s Stumped podcast: “The honest answer is no.

“Whether you agree to it or not, the economic model means a lot to the game, and the IPL is standing at the cusp of probably having a valuation that’s more than some of the other leagues.

“The IPL is able to retain the quality of players, local players especially, and Indian players are heavily marketable in the country.

“Enabling them to move on to another league, especially when they’re contracted to play for their country, I don’t think it’s going happen.

“But you will see one-off cricketers here and there who will turn up and play in some of these leagues.”