The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have proposed a rule change to the Indian Premier League (IPL) that would enable them to keep their legendary player, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player for the 2025 season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are currently uncertain about Mahendra Singh Dhoni‘s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The veteran’s status with the five-time champions has been a hot topic, especially after Dhoni stepped down from captaincy last season, handing the reins over to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
To potentially retain Dhoni, CSK has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate an old rule. This rule, which was in effect until 2021, allowed international cricketers to be considered uncapped if they had retired from international cricket for more than five years. According to ESPNCricinfo, CSK made this request during a recent meeting between the IPL committee and the ten franchises in Mumbai. The rule’s reinstatement would mean Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, could be retained at a lower cost than his current INR 12 crore retention fee.
However, this proposal has sparked debate among the franchises. Kavya Maran, the owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, voiced opposition, arguing that categorizing retired international players as uncapped would undervalue them and set an inappropriate precedent. She suggested that the auction should determine a player’s value, rather than a reclassification based on retirement status. Several other franchises have also expressed similar concerns, opposing the idea of treating retired international players as uncapped regardless of how long they have been retired.
As the 2025 season approaches, MS Dhoni is advocating for a change in the retention rules. He aims to ensure he can continue playing without disrupting the team’s balance.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention, etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” MS Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad.
