CSK issues clarification behind the IPL 2025 signing process of Dewald Brevis
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has officially issued a clarification regarding the signing of South African batting sensation Dewald Brevis as a replacement player during IPL 2025. The statement came in response to recent comments made by veteran spinner R Ashwin, who claimed that CSK was “ready to pay” more than the stipulated amount to bring Brevis into the squad mid-season. CSK has refuted these allegations, stating that all replacement signings were made strictly under IPL regulations and with proper approval from the governing council.
The franchise emphasized that there was no attempt to exceed financial guidelines set by the league. Ashwin, who has played a key role for CSK in recent seasons, stirred up the conversation earlier this week by revealing he is open to being traded ahead of the next IPL season. He also claimed that Dewald Brevis, who recently scored a stunning century against Australia, was one of the most sought-after players this year, with several franchises reportedly in the race to sign him during the 2025 campaign.
“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,” stated former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.
“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. In the back half, the CSK combination was strong. They will go with Rs 30 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction,” he added.
According to existing IPL regulations, a replacement player cannot be signed for a higher amount than the player he is replacing. In this particular case, Chennai Super Kings were reportedly interested in signing South African youngster Dewald Brevis as a mid-season replacement. The player he was supposed to replace was Gurjapneet Singh, who had been drafted during the IPL 2025 auction for a sum of ₹2.2 crore. As per the rule, CSK could not offer Brevis anything beyond that figure, even though his base price was just ₹75 lakh. This rule ensures financial parity and maintains the auction dynamics even during the tournament. CSK's clarification further asserted that any discussions held with Brevis were well within the boundaries of this rule.
🚨OFFICIAL STATEMENT🚨
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 16, 2025
Dewald Brevis signed as per the IPL Player Regulations 2025-2027, clause 6.6 under Replacement Players.
“Chennai Super Kings categorically clarifies that all actions taken by the franchise during the signing process of Dewald Brevis as a Replacement Player during TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 were in complete compliance with the rules and regulations of IPL,” a franchise statement read.
After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Dewald Brevis made a surprise entry into the Chennai Super Kings squad on April 18, 2025 — right at the halfway stage of their campaign. CSK had struggled in the first half of the season, managing to win just two out of their first seven matches. The decision to bring in Brevis proved to be a turning point, as his arrival added much-needed firepower and stability to the side. While expectations were modest given his late inclusion, the young South African made an immediate impact, helping CSK regain momentum in the latter part of the league. He ended up smashing a total of 225 runs from 6 matches at a remarkable strike-rate of 180.
