IPL 2025: CSK, MS Dhoni to benefit as BCCI likely to reintroduce old retention rule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to bring back the rule which puts players retired from international cricket for a minimum of five years in the uncapped category when they announce the player retention regulations ahead of next year's Indian Premier League (IPL).

The rule, which was in place since the first season in 2008, was scrapped in 2021 because it was never used. However, in the meeting between IPL team owners and BCCI last month, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management reportedly pressed for the rule to be brought back.

Also Read: R Ashwin elucidates rationale behind categorising MS Dhoni as uncapped player

It is understood that there wasn’t much support for CSK’s suggestion from other franchises on July 31 but the BCCI is strongly considering to bring it back. If the rule is reintroduced, it would allow the Chennai-based franchise to retain their former captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player and allow them to retain most of their capped core.

"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,” a well-placed source was quoted as saying by News18

According to the previous retention rule, an uncapped player would cost a franchise only INR 4 crore. This could well allow Dhoni to continue playing for CSK without taking too much out of their salary cap. Ahead of the 2022 mega auctions, CSK had retained Dhoni for INR 12 crore.

Also Read: Playing with MS Dhoni has always been special because he allows us to grow: Shardul Thakur

Ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni relinquished captaincy and handed it to the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Men in Yellow finished narrowly missed out a playoffs berth as they finished fifth on the points table. The former India skipper batted lower down the order and played some awe-inspiring cameos. He finished with 161 runs from just 73 balls in the season, scoring at a formidable strike-rate of 220.55.

Dhoni is arguably the most revered Indian cricketer of all time and his fans would love to see him showcasing his skills once again in the cash-rich league in 2025.