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"Franchise, Player, IPL - Not At Fault": Ashwin Clarifies CSK–Dewald Brevis Controversy

Akshita Patel

Ashwin reacts to controversy around Dewald Brevis entry to CSK [Source: @INDCricketGuide, @definitelynot05/X.com]Ashwin reacts to controversy around Dewald Brevis entry to CSK [Source: @INDCricketGuide, @definitelynot05/X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin had found himself at a crossroads with his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings. After he hinted that CSK’s signing of Dewald Brevis was unethical, CSK issued a public counter. With the matter gaining headlines, Ashwin responded, saying his earlier comments may have been misunderstood.

It all started when Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, suggested that franchises sometimes end up paying more under the table than the base price to sign replacement players. 

While speaking about Brevis, Ashwin explained that some teams walked away from signing him due to price, but conversations with agents can sometimes change the dynamics. 

Ashwin Clears The Air On Dewald Brevis Comment After CSK’s Intervention

His comments sparked a storm, prompting CSK to release a statement clarifying that they had followed all IPL rules and regulations. In response, Ravichandra Ashwin has now cooled the controversy, stressing that no one is to blame.

“We live in such times where we have to clarify even true stories. In that way, it is a bit tricky. But I won’t go there. There is no one at fault here. The point is the player is not at fault, the franchise is not at fault, and maybe the governing body is also not at fault. All of us need to understand that if a franchise needs a player, the franchise talks to the player or the player’s agent and tells the BCCI, ‘Look, so-and-so player of ours is injured, we need another player. ’ The matter gets closed there,” Ashwin said.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin also pointed out that replacement players have often gone on to become superstars, citing Chris Gayle’s move to RCB as a prime example. 

"My intention in the video was to describe how well Brevis was batting. We have to understand that every player who plays in the IPL has a tri-parted contract: The player, franchise, and the IPL have a binding contract. So if something is wrong with it, it won’t get ratified. That is why, probably, the tweet that said clause so-and-so makes complete sense."


"It is not only CSK who have picked a replacement; there have been several other teams. RCB have taken Chris Gayle in the past, and he became a superstar. Injury replacements are a common facet of the IPL, and even in that, the rule flexibility that you have, how you make use of that, within the limit, you can use it. That is the point."

Ultimately, Ashwin emphasised that his original intention was to praise Brevis’ batting form, not to accuse CSK of wrongdoing.

How Did CSK Sign Brevis?

Chennai Super Kings signed Dewald Brevis on 18 April 2025 as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, who had been purchased for ₹2.2 crore but was out injured. CSK asserted that the process was in accordance with IPL regulations under clause 6.6, limiting replacement fees to the auction cost of the original player. Despite speculation, CSK stressed full compliance with league regulations.