Before Ravichandran Ashwin’s overseas move, several retired players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) have joined T20 leagues abroad between 2018 and 2023. From the Caribbean to Canada and Sri Lanka, several former Indian players continued playing after retirement to keep their careers alive, gain international exposure, and raise the profile of smaller leagues.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow active Indian cricketers to take part in overseas franchise leagues while they are still playing domestic cricket or the IPL. Once a player retires from both International cricket and IPL, they are free to join any
tournament abroad. Many of these cricketers not only played for a longer time but also helped bring worldwide attention to the leagues they took part in. Here’s a closer look at the retired Indian IPL stars who played in overseas T20 leagues before Ashwin.
6. Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel, who was a member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, also joined the Kandy Tuskers in the LPL in 2020. A steady fast bowler who had already retired from Indian cricket, his overseas comeback showed that bowlers, too, could find short-term success in global leagues.
Though no longer at his peak pace, Munaf brought experience and stability to the squad. Alongside Irfan Pathan his participation made the Kandy team one of the most talked-about franchises in the first edition of the LPL.
5. Pravin Tambe
Pravin Tambe holds the exceptional record of being the first Indian cricketer to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The leg-spinner, who made his IPL debut at 41 for Rajasthan Royals, stunned fans again when he signed with Trinbago Knight Riders in 2020.
At 48, Tambe became both the oldest debutant in CPL history and the first Indian to appear in the league. His story proved that retiring from Indian cricket doesn’t have to mean the end of a career in franchise cricket. Even though he played only a few matches, his signing was historic and opened the way for others to follow.
4. Irfan Pathan
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also took the overseas route. Pathan joined the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in 2020, after being unsold in the IPL. He signed with the Kandy Tuskers. Although he played only a few matches, his presence added experience and depth to the team.
Earlier Pathan had shown interest in playing in the CPL, his shift to Sri Lanka was seen as a part of a growing trend of former Indian players looking for chances in overseas leagues. His presence gave the team important guidance and leadership, even though his performances on the field were not as strong as in his prime.
3. Yuvraj Singh
India’s 2011 World Cup hero and one of the most popular IPL stars, Yuvraj Singh, stepped into overseas cricket soon after retiring in 2019. In the same year he joined the Toronto Nationals in the Global T20 Canada League.
The league got a massive popularity boost by Yuvraj’s participation in it. His presence attracted fans, sponsors, and global viewership, proving the commercial value Indian stars bring. Although his body was not at its peak, his batting skills and star power added glamour to the tournament. Yuvraj also appeared in exhibition T10 tournaments in the USA and UAE, further establishing himself as a true global T20 freelancer after retirement.
2. Ambati Rayudu
After enjoying a successful IPL career with Chennai Super Kings, Ambati Rayudu joined St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League after retiring from the IPL. His inclusion was notable as he had won several IPL titles, and this late-career move gave him a chance to play in new conditions.
Even though Rayudu’s period in the CPL was short, his signing showed that overseas leagues are eager to bring in experienced Indian players to grow their image and draw more fans.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
After a legendary career as India’s premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 and from the IPL in August 2025. With BCCI restrictions no longer applying, Ashwin became eligible to feature in overseas T20 leagues.
Soon after, he registered for the UAE’s ILT20 auction and entered talks with Big Bash League (BBL) franchises in Australia. His upcoming participation makes him one of the most high-profile Indian players to take this route. Unlike earlier retirees, Ashwin is still highly competitive and carries immense value as both a world-class spinner and a tactical leader. His move is set to add global credibility to whichever league he joins, while also inspiring other active stars nearing retirement.
Conclusion
Retired Indian IPL players such as Pravin Tambe, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, and Ambati Rayudu went on to play in overseas T20 leagues ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. Their moves were not just about playing more cricket, they broke barriers, helped
smaller leagues get more recognition, and gave fans new joy with old stars. These players showed that Indian talent is valued worldwide. They also proved that cricket careers can go on even after leaving the IPL.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
