IPL 2025: MS Dhoni will force BCCI to change rules while he’s playing, claims Mohammad Kaif

The Indian Premier League (IPL) recently updated its rule regarding the players who can be considered uncapped players. The rule will allow Indian players who had retired from international cricket at least five years before the relevant season to take part in the auction as an uncapped player.

The rule was introduced for the first time in 2008 during IPL's inaugural season before being scrapped in 2021. However, the IPL has decided to bring back the rule.

Many believe that the rule was reintroduced only because of MS Dhoni. Reports stated that although Chennai Super Kings wanted to retain the former India skipper, they did not want to spend big on him. At the same time, the Chennai-based outfit also did not want to release the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.

Before the 2022 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings had retained MS Dhoni for INR 12 crore. However, they can now retain him for INR 4 crore thanks to the re-introduction of the rule. IPL's decision has divided the Indian cricket fraternity into two halves.

While one half is fine with the rule, the other half believes that reintroducing the rule just because of one player is not right. Reports also state that most of the franchises were against the reintroduction of the rule. Amidst the criticism, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has shared his views on the same.

The former cricketer-turned-commentator did not shy away from saying that the rules will keep getting changed as long as his former India teammate wants to play. Kaif said that there is no other option but to change the rules to ensure that MS Dhoni continues playing.

"We will get to see MS Dhoni playing again. He is fit, he is batting aggressively and is good behind the gloves too. As long as he wants to play, the rules will keep getting changed.

"You got to change the rules, or do whatever you want, to let MS Dhoni play if he wants to play, he is that big of a player and match-winner for CSK," Mohammad Kaif told Star Sports.

Mohammad Kaif on IPL changing the rule for MS Dhoni:

Speaking further, Mohammad Kaif did not beat around the bush when asked whether the rule was changed only because of Dhoni. The former cricketer said that 'everyone knows the rule has been changed because of Dhoni' and also made it clear that he has no problem with it.

"If he's fit and playing good, why not? Dhoni himself says he doesn't need money. He has said that he will do what the team management wants. Yes, retaining him for INR 4 crore does look a little weird, but you have a chance to retain him, regardless.

"Everyone knows the rule has been changed because of him. And why not? Dhoni is that sort of a player," said Kaif.