IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has finally addressed the new rule for the tournament that will permit MS Dhoni to participate as an uncapped player in the upcoming Indian Premier League season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Recently, the IPL governing council convened to finalize various rules and regulations for the next IPL auction. The council took into account the feedback received from franchise owners during their meeting with BCCI officials back in July.
One key alteration made by the IPL is the reintroduction of a rule that allows Indian players to enter the auction as uncapped if they have retired from international cricket at least five years prior to the relevant season.
According to an IPL media release, “A capped Indian player will become uncapped if he has, in the five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant season is held, not played in the starting XI in international cricket and does not have a central contract with BCCI. This will be applicable for Indian players only.”
In an exclusive interview with the Indian Express, Arun Dhumal commented on the retention of MS Dhoni in the team as an uncapped player. Since Dhoni has been retired for over five years before the relevant season, he qualifies to play as an uncapped player.
Dhumal expressed that it doesn’t matter whether Dhoni is retained as a capped or uncapped player, asserting that players like him will always be top picks for any team. “Player like MS Dhoni, it is immaterial whether he is uncapped or capped. He would anyway be the first target for any franchise,” Dhumal stated.
The cost to retain uncapped players is set at INR 4 crore, allowing Chennai Super Kings to keep their iconic player at a reduced price and consequently allocate more funds to strengthen their squad for future seasons.
The rule which was originally introduced during IPL’s inaugural season in 2008, was abolished in 2021. However following detailed discussions regarding uncapped players, the IPL governing council decided to reinstate this rule.
