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In a significant development for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to address the franchise’s request by potentially reinstating a previously scrapped rule. This move could allow CSK to retain their legendary captain and wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 mega auction.
CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, proposed the revival of a retention rule that was used from the league’s inception in 2008 until it was discontinued in 2021. The rule permitted franchises to retain a capped player as uncapped if he had been retired from international cricket for at least five years. MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, is a prime candidate for this rule. He was previously retained by CSK for INR 12 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 auction.
Despite opposition from several other franchises, including concerns voiced by Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran about the potential disrespect of retaining a retired player as uncapped, the BCCI is reportedly inclined to reinstate the rule in favor of CSK, according to CricketNext News18.
There is a bright possibility of the rule coming back – Source on BCCI
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contemplating the reinstatement of the old rule, Chennai Super Kings would be able to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player while preserving their core group of capped players.
In the previous mega auction, the cost for retaining an uncapped player was INR 4 crore. If this amount remains the same for the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK would benefit significantly.
“There is a bright possibility of the rule coming back. It was discussed at length during the meeting last month and could well be brought back when the player regulations are announced,” said a well-placed source, as per News18.
At 43, MS Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025 remains uncertain. He has already stepped down as captain, passing the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season, where Gaikwad performed admirably.
Dhoni played a limited batting role in IPL 2024 due to knee issues but still showcased his power-hitting ability with 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55. Recently, Dhoni stated that he has not yet decided on his IPL future and will make a choice based on the upcoming retention rules and what benefits the franchise most.
