CSK spark controversy with IPL rule change demand for MS Dhoni retention, face backlash from rival teams

The Chennai Super Kings reportedly want the BCCI to bring back an old rule that will enable them to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for IPL 2025. The BCCI and the IPL franchises met in Mumbai on Wednesday (July 31) to discuss the rules for the upcoming mega auction.

As of now, there is little clarity over MS Dhoni's participation in IPL 2025. In May this year, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan admitted that even the franchise was not sure of their former captain's participation in the competition next year. At the same time, Viswanathan had also said that the CSK was hopeful of Dhoni playing in IPL 2025.

The 43-year-old's future has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. Many expected him to retire from IPL after he guided CSK to its fifth title in 2023. Soon after the tournament, he also underwent knee surgery and not many were expecting him to continue as a player. However, MS Dhoni played in IPL 2024 as well although he handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

He has played a limited role with the bat in recent seasons and 2024 was not an exception either. This year, he faced only 73 balls in 14 games. At a recent event, the former India skipper also said that he and CSK would wait for the player retention rules to be finalized before taking a decision on playing the 2025 season.

CSK wants the old rule to be reintroduced:

During the meeting with BCCI, CSK asked for the old rule to be introduced that will allow it to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. The rule had existed since the inaugural edition in 2008 until 2021 before being scrapped at the behest of the franchises.

The rule stated that if a player had retired from international cricket for five or more years, he would be classified as an uncapped player. However, CSK's proposal did not receive any backing from other franchises, according to a report in ESPNcricinfo.

Dhoni had retired from international cricket in 2020. In 2022, CSK had retained him for INR 12 crore. On the other hand, the teams were allowed to retain an uncapped player for only INR 4 crore. If the IPL sets similar costs for uncapped players retained ahead of the mega auction, CSK wants to retain Dhoni in that manner.

However, CSK's hopes could be dashed by the lack of support from other franchises. The other franchises do not want the long-retired international players to get uncapped status.

Also, the IPL teams have agreed that the retired Indian players or players who have not played international cricket for 5 should be allowed to lower their base price in order to increase their chances of getting picked.