BCCI Discusses Possible Return of ‘Uncapped Player Rule’ Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK Denies Requesting Its Revival

The potential reintroduction of the ‘uncapped player rule’ ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has sparked considerable interest among cricket fans. This rule, which allows players retired from international cricket for at least five years to be categorized as uncapped, could provide an opportunity for the legendary MS Dhoni to extend his illustrious IPL career.

There were earlier reports that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate this rule, which was originally implemented during the inaugural IPL season but was scrapped in 2021. If reintroduced, the rule would enable CSK to retain Dhoni without significantly impacting their salary cap. Under this rule, retaining an uncapped player would cost the franchise only INR 4 crore, whereas Dhoni was retained for INR 12 crore ahead of the previous mega auction in 2022.

However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied any involvement in pushing for the return of this rule. He clarified that the BCCI had independently informed CSK about the possibility of bringing back the rule, but no official announcement has been made yet.

“I have no idea about it—we have not requested it. The BCCI themselves told us that the ‘uncapped player rule’ may be kept, that’s all. They haven’t announced anything yet,” Viswanathan stated in an interview with Gaurav Gupta from the Times of India.

The speculation surrounding this rule has grown, especially after Dhoni, who is now 43 years old, stepped down from his role as captain of CSK just before the start of the 2024 IPL season. Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the leadership, guiding the team to a fifth-place finish in the league stage. Despite relinquishing the captaincy, Dhoni impressed fans with his powerful cameos, finishing the season with a remarkable strike rate of 220.55.

Cricket enthusiasts are eager to see if Dhoni will play for another season, and the return of the ‘uncapped player rule’ could make that possible. As the cricketing world awaits the BCCI’s decision, the future of one of India’s most celebrated cricketers hangs in the balance.

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