CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath denied requesting BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to allow MS Dhoni to be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Notably, CSK had reportedly put forth a request to BCCI in the recent meeting between the board and the franchises to treat Dhoni as an uncapped player.
There was a provision in the IPL rule books which stated that the players who’ve retired from international cricket for five years can be termed uncapped, but the rule was abolished in 2021. Recently, commenting on the matter, Kasi Viswanath denied making any such request and said that the BCCI will take the call on the rules.
“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,” Viswanath told the Times of India.
Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, IPL franchises could retain two uncapped players. Hence, if Dhoni comes under the uncapped players bracket, CSK will be able to retain him while keeping the core unit of their players intact.
Dhoni had promised to return for his fans in 2024
Notably, after leading CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, Dhoni had promised to return for one more season for his fans and hence played in the 2024 edition of the tournament. However, after Chennai failed to reach the playoffs of the tournament, it was expected that Dhoni would announce his retirement.
The cricketer is yet to make his announcement and recently said that he will do whatever is best for the team. The 43-year-old relinquished his captaincy ahead of the 2024 season and handed over the responsibility to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Coming in to bat lower down the order, Dhoni scored 161 runs from 11 innings at an average of 53.66 and a thunderous strike-rate of 220.54. The wicketkeeper batter smacked 13 sixes during the season bringing his large fan base to the edge of their seats.