"Many people think that I leaked the trades" - Indian legend addresses criticism regarding his hand in rumors prior to IPL 2026 retention deadline

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin defended himself amid criticism from fans blaming him for leaking several trade moves ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline. The legend had made headlines after announcing Shardul Thakur's switch to the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) a day before the league's and the franchises' official announcement.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin discussed the five-time champions' possible retentions and releases, before adding that they have acquired the Indian all-rounder through a trade. The move was formally announced soon after, with MI even acknowledging the early announcement by Ashwin by including him in a social media post.

Ashwin also hinted at Matheesha Pathirana's potential release by posting a collage on social media, involving the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming holding out all ten fingers (Pathu in Tamil), along with prominent Indian actor Rana Daggubati.

The Indian legend stated that he is not guilty of leaking the trade moves as he has only used his intuition and chatter, instead of seeking information from franchise officials.

"Many people think that I leaked the trades, but it was not a leak. It is not as if I called somebody, and asked for information, I have never asked anybody for that. I have an instinct, and sometimes I hear things. Many times, the players tell me. I feel IPL deserves a Fabrizio Romano. It is good for the league that so many trades are happening," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

The competition witnessed a busy trade window with numerous franchises being involved in securing some key signings outside the competitive confines of the auction table.

"The Test match that is going on is so interesting, but even then, the talk was of the IPL trade" - R Ashwin on franchise cricket dominating the international circuit

The 2026 IPL retention deadline coincided with the first Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The franchises announced their list of retained and released players after play concluded on Day 2, with the contest placed precariously on a dodgy wicket.

R Ashwin highlighted that the IPL stealing the limelight over the Test match is a massive indicator as to where the sport is heading in the near future.

"This is a huge success, because if we see in the Premier League, or any other franchise sport, almost half of the year, there is constant talk of which player should be loaned, which player can be traded, and all that. In the IPL, this used to happen for just 2-3 months. Before, trades were not happening much, and the talk used to always be of an auction. The Test match that is going on is so interesting, but even then, the talk was of the IPL trade and all," Ashwin said.

The 2026 Auction will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, scheduled between the third and fourth T20I between India and South Africa.

Edited by Gokul Nair