(PTI Photo)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has addressed the rumors surrounding MS Dhoni’s potential status as an uncapped player for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Viswanathan clarified that CSK has not made any request to the BCCI to list Dhoni as an uncapped player in the forthcoming mega auction.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating reintroducing a rule that would classify retired players as uncapped for the IPL. This rule, which was in effect from the start of the IPL in 2008, allowed players who had been retired for over five years to be considered uncapped. However, it was abolished in 2021 due to lack of use by franchises.
If the BCCI decides to reinstate this rule, CSK could potentially retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. The matter was recently discussed in meetings between IPL franchise owners and the BCCI, indicating that the rule might be reconsidered.
When questioned about the possibility of MS Dhoni being classified as an uncapped player for the 2025 IPL auction, Kasi Viswanathan stated that CSK has not made such a request. He noted that while the BCCI has hinted at the potential reinstatement of the rule, no official confirmation has been issued at this time.
“I’ve 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 (the BCCI) haven’t announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI,” Kasi Viswanathan told TOI.
At the IPL franchise owners’ meeting with the BCCI on July 31 in Mumbai, CSK management is said to have advocated for the rule that allows retired players to be classified as uncapped. MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, following his final appearance in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, could benefit from this rule if it is reinstated.
Listing Dhoni as an uncapped player would offer a financial advantage for CSK. Under the previous IPL retention policy, an uncapped player could be retained for Rs 4 crore, compared to Rs 12 crore, which CSK paid to retain Dhoni as their second choice ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction.
During an event in Hyderabad, Dhoni mentioned that he will determine whether to play another IPL season after carefully reviewing the player regulations. The former Indian captain emphasized that his decision will prioritize the best interests of the team.
“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,” MS Dhoni had said.
Before the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The right-handed batsman had an impressive performance, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 and maintaining an average of 53.66.
