Ravichandran Ashwin has set his sights on making history in 2026 by becoming the first Indian to play in The Hundred, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) own franchise tournament. However, The Hundred is different from other leagues, as it is a 100-ball tournament.
Since Ravichandran Ashwin has already retired from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well, the former off-spinner will be eligible to take part in the various cricket leagues across the world. However, The Hundred is on the top of Ashwin’s list.
Ravichandran Ashwin set to make The Hundred debut in 2026 after IPL retirement
As reported by Telegraph Sport, Ravichandran Ashwin is keen to take part in the next edition of The Hundred. Additionally, the former Indian all-rounder is planning to participate in multiple T20 leagues across the world in the coming years, but he is particularly more excited to play in the 100-ball tournament.
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In 2026, the English tournament promises a new era, as the teams would be rebranded after the huge investment, and they would love to attract more star power. Since the majority of the teams were co-owned by the IPL team owners, Ashwin is likely to be preferred by them.
The 39-year-old Ashwin still has the fire to dominate the franchise cricket world as South Africa’s spinner Imran Tahir continues to thrive well into his 40s. With the Hundred eager for high-profile Indian players, Ashwin’s participation would be a landmark moment for the competition.
Salaries set to be increased in The Hundred from the next season
Meanwhile, salaries are also expected to rise next year, making the opportunity even more attractive. Ravichandran Ashwin could become the headline star of the next Hundred season.
As one of the most prominent players of his generation, the former Indian off-spinner’s involvement would instantly boost interest, especially from Indian fans who rarely watch the English event. Well, Ashwin remains a top-class T20 performer.
The off-spinner has a wide range of variations and has even bowled orthodox leg-spin on occasions. With 317 T20 wickets at an impressive average of 26.9 and 65 appearances for India, Ashwin will be a valuable asset for any team in the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin closes his iconic IPL chapter
On August 27, Ashwin officially ended his IPL journey. The veteran off-spinner, who made his debut with Chennai Super Kings in 2009, finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with 187 wickets in 221 matches with multiple franchises.
Ashwin’s return to CSK this year came with a hefty price tag of INR 9.75 crore, but he failed to live up to the expectations, taking only seven wickets in nine matches. However, Ashwin was instrumental in CSK’s title wins in 2010 and 2011. Throughout his IPL career, Ashwin played for CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
From thrilling performances in his early years to becoming a leader and mentor for younger players in later seasons, Ashwin’s IPL journey spanned 16 of the 18 seasons, making him a true icon of the league. Last year on the Australia tour, he had called time on his India career.
