The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reintroduced a rule for the uncapped category of Indian players ahead of IPL Auction 2025. This rule, which was previously in place but abolished after IPL 2021, has significant implications for retired Indian stars like MS Dhoni.
According to the new rule, “A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI.”
This means that MS Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, becomes eligible to play IPL under the uncapped player category. This rule change has sparked speculation that the BCCI has reintroduced it solely to accommodate Dhoni in the IPL.
The reintroduction of this rule gives Dhoni’s franchise, Chennai Super Kings, a significant advantage. They can now retain Dhoni without using any capped player slot, providing them with more flexibility in their squad selection.
Fans have expressed their excitement at the prospect of Dhoni returning to the IPL as an uncapped player. Many believe that his presence will add star power and experience to the tournament.
“MS Dhoni doesn’t need to play one more season of IPL, but IPL needs #MSDhoni to play one more season,” tweeted one fan.
Another fan wrote, “DHONI needs IPL, IPL needs DHONI. The O.G is all set to return as uncapped player for some unfinished business.”
The BCCI has also released the IPL auction rules for 2025. Each franchise can retain up to 6 players, including the Right To Match (RTM) option. However, the total number of retentions/RTM’s cannot exceed 5 capped players (Indian and overseas) and 2 uncapped players.
