MS Dhoni all set to play in IPL 2025 as Uncapped player; BCCI to bring old retention rule

MS Dhoni to play in the IPL 2025. The preparation of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is in full swing, with all ten franchises having to decide the players whom they need to retain.

The BCCI has confirmed that there will be a mega auction in the IPL 2025, which will make things interesting. All teams have a star-studded lineup, and it will be hard to pick players whom to retain and whom to release.

The five-time champion Chennai Super Kings and their fans will be happy as the BCCI is likely to bring back the rule where a retired player with a period of at least five years can be picked or retained as an uncapped player. This means that fans might see MS Dhoni playing for CSK once again.

CSK to retain MS Dhoni as BCCI brings back IPL retention rule for retired players

This can become one of the most historic moments in the history of the Indian Premier League if it happens. The rule of retaining a player who retired from international cricket at least five years ago was scrapped in 2021. But the BCCI is likely to bring back that rule. Some reports confirmed that it was CSK that pushed the BCCI to bring back this rule.

Chennai did it because they wanted MS Dhoni to retain as an uncapped player due to limited retentions. It means MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, can be retained as an uncapped player ahead of the IPL 2025. The former CSK captain played his last game for India during the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Since then, he has been playing competitive cricket only for CSK in the IPL. He gave away his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024, which reduced a big responsibility from his shoulders as he led CSK from the first season, winning five titles with them. The rule of retaining a retired player as an uncapped pick was active from 2008 to 2021.

This can help CSK retain MS Dhoni for just INR 4 crore in the IPL 2025. Though Dhoni was getting INR 12 crore per season from 2022 to 2024 and a few as an uncapped player is way less than his previous salary but fans can see more of him in the IPL 2025. Dhoni himself said in an interview that his availability for the IPL 2025 depends on the BCCI's retention policy.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 3 franchises who might be top contenders in the mega-auction for Steve Smith?s IPL comeback