When they announce the player regulations ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to reinstate the rule that places players who have not played international cricket for at least five years in the uncapped category. In 2021, the rule, which had been in place since the first season, was taken out because no one ever used it. During the meeting between IPL franchise owners and BCCI last month, the management of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) demanded that the rule be reinstated.
Other franchises did not give CSK's suggestion much support on July 31, but the Indian cricket board is seriously considering bringing it back. The rule would allow CSK to keep most of their capped core and keep MS Dhoni as an uncapped player if it were reinstated.
"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 source to News 18.
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A franchise would only pay Rs 4 crore for an uncapped player under the previous retention policy. Dhoni might be able to continue playing for CSK without having to pay a lot of money. Dhoni had been retained by CSK for Rs 12 crore in advance of the massive auctions in 2022. Before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni gave Ruturaj Gaikwad the captaincy of CSK. Gaikwad played the entire season, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55. Even though he only faced 73 pitches, he made a significant impact when he did come out to bat.
Dhoni on Playing IPL 2025
The former CSK skipper spoke about playing in the Indian Premier League at an event in Hyderabad this month, and he said he would wait for the player regulations before making a decision.
"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 formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team," Dhoni had said.
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