The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating the reintroduction of a rule that categorizes players retired from international cricket for at least five years as uncapped, ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This move could potentially benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in retaining their former captain, MS Dhoni, under the uncapped category, thus preserving their core team.
The rule, which had been in place since the inception of the IPL, was scrapped in 2021 due to its lack of utilization. However, it was brought back into discussion during a meeting between IPL franchise owners and BCCI officials last month. The CSK management, in particular, pushed for the rule’s return.
Although the proposal did not receive unanimous support from other franchises during the July 31 meeting, sources suggest that the BCCI is seriously considering the rule’s reinstatement. If reintroduced, the rule would allow CSK to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, reducing his retention cost to just ₹4 crore, compared to the ₹12 crore he was retained for ahead of the 2022 mega auction.
Dhoni, who stepped down as CSK captain before the 2024 IPL season, played a significant role in the team’s campaign, scoring 161 runs at a striking rate of 220.55. Despite his limited appearances at the crease, he made a considerable impact, often batting in the final overs.
Speaking at an event in Hyderabad earlier this month, Dhoni acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future in the IPL, stating that he would wait for the official 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 formalized, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni said.
The potential return of the rule has sparked widespread debate, with Indian off-spinner R Ashwin also weighing in. Ashwin suggested that Dhoni, having retired from international cricket, could technically be considered an uncapped player. “Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That’s a big question mark… He hasn’t played international cricket for many years. He has retired. So, he is an uncapped player,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
For CSK and Dhoni’s legion of fans, the possible reinstatement of this rule is a hopeful sign that they may see their beloved “Thala” in action for at least one more IPL season.
The final decision on the rule is expected to be announced when the BCCI releases the player regulations for IPL 2025.
