In a significant development for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering to let MS Dhoni play as an uncapped player for the 2025 IPL season, according to a report by Times Of India. This move would be a return to the BCCI’s previously halted policy, which categorizes players who have been retired from international cricket for at least five years as uncapped.
If this policy is implemented, it would be a major advantage for CSK, as retaining Dhoni, the legendary former India and CSK captain, would be far less costly under the new rules. Previously, an uncapped player could be retained for INR 4 crores, a major decrease compared to the INR 12 crores CSK paid for Dhoni in the 2022 season.
“Will do what’s best for CSK”: MS Dhoni on IPL retirement
When asked about whether Dhoni would be classified as an uncapped player in the 2025 IPL auction, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan responded, “I have no idea about it. We’ve not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the ‘uncapped player rule’ may be kept, that’s all. They haven’t announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI.”
The potential rule change was reportedly advocated by CSK management during a meeting with IPL franchise owners and the BCCI on July 31 in Mumbai. Dhoni, who last played for India in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni had handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite being 43 years old, Dhoni showcased his prowess by scoring 161 runs off just 73 balls, at an impressive strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66, primarily batting in the death overs.
At a recent promotional event in Hyderabad, Dhoni mentioned that he would decide on his participation for the next IPL season after the player regulations are announced. “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 formalized, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni stated. This indicates that while the potential classification as an uncapped player could influence his decision, Dhoni remains focused on what is best for CSK.
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