Franchises Unite Against CSK’s Idea to Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

CSK has requested BCCI to retain MS Dhoni as uncapped player.

The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kavya Maran, has opposed Chennai Super Kings’ idea of reimplementing the old rule, which stated that any Indian player who retired around five years ago should be classified as an uncapped player.

Chennai Super Kings have proposed this idea to the BCCI to retain MS Dhoni, who has retired from international cricket for over five years, as an uncapped player. This would save CSK money, as Dhoni’s current retention cost is INR 12 crore.

Kavya Maran Openly Opposes CSK’s Idea

The rule was part of the IPL from 2008 until 2021 when it was scrapped at the request of the teams. However, other franchises, apart from CSK, are not in favour of bringing back the rule. One franchise argued that retired players should not be classified as uncapped regardless of how long they have been retired.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran has stated that classifying retired players as uncapped is disrespectful, as their value would be higher at the auction. She also believes this would set a wrong precedent, as uncapped players purchased at the auction could earn more than a former player classified as uncapped.

The decision now rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is expected to announce its decision soon, alongside the details of the retention for the IPL 2025 mega auction.