MS Dhoni not supported by CSK in their odd move for BCCI confirms CEO Kasi Viswanathan

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up about speculation regarding MS Dhoni playing as an uncapped player in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.

Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Chennai Super Kings has not requested the BCCI to list MS Dhoni as an uncapped player in the mega auction.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering reinstating a rule that allows retired cricketers to be considered uncapped players in the IPL.

Any player who retired for more than five years will be considered an uncapped player. CSK could retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player if the BCCI brings back the rule.

There was a rule allowing players who retired from international cricket for over five years to be listed as uncapped from the start of the IPL in 2008.

This rule was removed in 2021 due to no franchises using it. However, it was debated again during a meeting between IPL franchise owners and the BCCI.

We've Not Requested For It - MS Dhoni

When asked whether MS Dhoni would be treated as an uncapped player in the 2025 IPL auction, Kasi Viswanathan said they had not requested it. He mentioned that the BCCI has indicated the rule might be reinstated but added that no official announcement has been made yet.

“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.

The CSK management reportedly asked for the rule allowing retired players to be listed as uncapped during the IPL franchise owners' meeting with the BCCI on July 31 in Mumbai. MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, after his last appearance in the 2019 World Cup semifinal.

If Dhoni is listed as an uncapped player, it would be financially advantageous for CSK. According to the previous IPL retention policy, an uncapped player could be retained for Rs 4 crore. The Super Kings had retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore as their second retention ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction.

The Ball Is Not In Our Court - MS Dhoni

At a Hyderabad event, Dhoni said he would decide on playing another IPL season after reviewing the player regulations. The former Indian skipper highlighted that his decision will be based on the team's best interests.

“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.

Dhoni passed the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the IPL 2024 season. The right-handed batter amassed 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54 and an average of 53.66.

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