In a noteworthy disclosure that has ignited substantial discussion within the professional cricket community, prominent Indian slow bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has asserted that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allegedly made extra payments outside official channels to successfully recruit rising South African batsman Dewald Brevis for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign. Despite Brevis’s notable achievements on the field for the squad, Ashwin’s assertions have raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of the league’s player acquisition policies and the moral soundness of its financial regulations.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals controversial signing of Dewald Brevis by CSK
At a pivotal juncture during the IPL 2025 tournament, the Chennai Super Kings, in dire need of bolstering their batting lineup, brought in the much-admired Dewald Brevis to take the place of the sidelined Gurjapneet Singh. The official announcement from the IPL authorities indicated that Brevis was contracted for INR 2.2 crore, mirroring the initial cost for acquiring Gurjapneet. However, in a comprehensive analysis presented on his personal online video platform, Ashwin challenged the accuracy of this account, alleging that Chennai Super Kings discreetly provided additional monetary compensation to secure the young player’s commitment.
According to details obtained by India Today, Ashwin reported that a number of other teams also showed interest in acquiring Brevis as an alternative player but chose not to proceed because they hesitated to fulfill his financial expectations, which surpassed the conventionally stated figure.
Ashwin commented, “Let me share an insider detail regarding Brevis. He had a fruitful stint with Chennai Super Kings during the recent edition of the IPL. There were several franchises in negotiations with him, but some withdrew due to financial considerations. It’s understood that when a player is brought in as a replacement, the agreed figure is typically the base price. However, it’s common practice to engage in discussions with agents, with the player stipulating an extra sum to facilitate the transfer,” Ashwin clarified.
I won’t know seriously he speaking this ???
Ash ” Brevis asked much more money from csk to join , Csk too gived it that’s he joined in csk “
Where is professionalism he speaking about team what exchanged 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/XaHgR2Buyv
— S@SSY💛 (@bharathraj1412) August 13, 2025
Ashwin’s explanation of the IPL’s ‘under the table’ economy
Ashwin emphasized that the situation should not be viewed as an isolated event but as an indicator of deeper systemic issues within the league’s regulatory structure. He highlighted the negotiating advantage held by players like Brevis, who are acutely aware of their substantial market worth. According to Ashwin, when a team seeks a mid-season substitution, the player and their representatives frequently attempt to negotiate a higher fee than the officially stated reserve price, leveraging their potential future worth.
Ashwin expounded on this concept, stating, “The typical approach involves discussions with agents, where the player stipulates an additional sum to be paid in order to secure their commitment. This occurs because the player anticipates higher bids in the subsequent season if released from their present obligations. Their mindset is that if an attractive financial incentive is provided immediately, they are more likely to join; otherwise, they will seek better opportunities in the future. Consequently, Chennai Super Kings agreed to meet his demands, facilitating his acquisition.”
Brevis’s contributions on the field for Chennai Super Kings were undeniably significant, establishing him as a pivotal asset during the latter phases of the tournament. In just six appearances, he amassed 225 runs with an impressive strike rate of 180, achieving two scores of fifty or more. While his performance underscored the team’s justification for acquiring him, Ashwin’s claims have directed scrutiny away from the player’s achievements and towards the ethical considerations surrounding the agreement.
