BCCI likely to bring back rule of retired players being considered as uncapped in the IPL: Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India could bring back the scrapped rule pertaining to retired cricketers being considered as uncapped in the IPL. If that happens, Chennai Super Kings will have the option of retaining former skipper MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.
From the start of IPL in 2008, a rule existed where a player retired from international cricket for at least five years would be considered as uncapped. The rule was, however, done away with in 2021, as none of the franchises used it.
At the meeting between IPL franchise owners and BCCI in July, though, the topic was debated again. Apparently, the Chennai Super Kings batted for a return of the rule, they didn't find much support from the other IPL franchises.
As per a report in News18, the BCCI is seriously considering bringing back the old rule, though, which would allow a player retired for five or more years from international cricket to be considered in the uncapped category. The report said that the BCCI is likely to bring the rule back when they announce the player regulations ahead of IPL 2025.
“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,” News18 quoted a well-placed source as saying.
Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, bringing the curtains down on a sensational career.
As per the last retention policy in the IPL, an uncapped cricketer can be retained for ₹4 crore. Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, CSK had retained Dhoni for ₹12 crore.
What Dhoni said about his chances of playing IPL 2025
At an event in Hyderabad a few days back, Dhoni shared his thoughts on his IPL future. He said that he will take a call, which would be in the best interest of CSK, once retention rules are finalized.
“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 needs to be in the best interest of the team,” Dhoni had said at the event.
The batting legend handed over CSK's captaincy to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Playing as a keeper-batter in the lower order, he clubbed 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55, playing a few memorable cameos.