The IPL has recently changed its rules about who can be considered uncapped players. Indian players who retired from international cricket at least five years before the season can join the auction as uncapped players.
This rule was first introduced in 2008 during the IPL’s first season but was removed in 2021. Now the IPL has decided to bring it back.
Many people think the rule was reintroduced mainly for MS Dhoni. Reports say that while the Chennai Super Kings wanted to keep the former India captain, they didn’t want to spend a lot of money on him. At the same time, they didn’t want to let go of the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman.
Before the 2022 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings had kept MS Dhoni for INR 12 crore. However, with the new rule, they can now keep him for INR 4 crore. This decision has split opinions in Indian cricket community.
Some people support the rule while others think it’s unfair to change it just for one player. Reports also indicate that most franchises were against bringing the rule back. Amidst of this debate former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts.
Kaif openly stated that the rules will keep changing as long as his former teammate wants to keep playing. He said that changing the rules is necessary to allow MS Dhoni to continue his career.
“We will get to see MS Dhoni playing again. He is fit, he is batting aggressively, and he is good behind the gloves too. As long as he wants to play, the rules will keep getting changed.
“You have to change the rules, or do whatever you want, to let MS Dhoni play if he wants to play. He is that big of a player and match-winner for CSK,” Mohammad Kaif told Star Sports.
When asked if the rule was changed just for Dhoni, Kaif didn’t hold back. He said that everyone knows the rule has been changed because of Dhoni. But he also expressed that he has no problem with it.
