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In a controversial revelation that has sparked a significant debate in the world of franchise cricket, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has alleged that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) paid a sum of money ‘under the table’ to secure the services of young South African batter Dewald Brevis during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. While Brevis’s on-field performance for the team was a success, Ashwin’s claims have cast a shadow of doubt over the league’s player replacement rules and the ethical integrity of its salary cap system.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals controversial signing of Dewald Brevis by CSK
Midway through the IPL 2025 season, the CSK, in desperate need of a batting boost, signed the highly-rated Brevis as a replacement player for the injured Gurjapneet Singh. The official announcement from the IPL stated that Brevis was signed for INR 2.2 crore, which matched the price for which Gurjapneet was originally acquired. However, Ashwin, in a detailed video on his YouTube channel, claimed that this was not the full story. He alleged that CSK had to pay a higher, unofficial amount to land the young talent.
According to Ashwin, as per India Today, several other franchises had also approached Brevis for a replacement deal but backed out because they were unwilling to pay the player’s demanded fee, which was higher than the official price.
Ashwin stated, “I will tell you something. About Brevis. He had a great time last IPL with CSK. In fact, a few teams were talking to him. A few teams left him because of the price. When he was supposed to be signed as a replacement, he was supposed to be signed at the base price. But what happens is you talk to the agents and the player will say, if you give me X amount extra, I will come,” Ashwin said.
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
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Ashwin’s explanation of the IPL’s ‘under the table’ economy
Ashwin did not frame the issue as a singular instance but as a symptom of a broader problem within the league’s rules. He explained the negotiation power of players like Brevis, who understand their high market value. According to Ashwin, when a player is approached for a mid-season replacement, they and their agents can demand more than the official base price by using their future value as leverage.
Ashwin elaborated on this concept, stating, “What happens is you talk to the agents and the player will say, if you give me X amount extra, I will come. That happens because the player knows if he is released next season, he will go for good money. So his concept was that, you pay me good money now else I will go for more next year. And CSK were ready to pay him, hence he came.”
Brevis’s on-field performance for the CSK was exceptional, making him a crucial part of the team’s late-season surge. From just six matches, he smashed 225 runs at a staggering strike rate of 180, scoring two half-centuries. While his performance justified the team’s pursuit of him, Ashwin’s allegations have shifted the focus from the player’s on-field success to the ethical implications of the deal.
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