CSK CEO: BCCI Changed Rule for MS Dhoni, Not Us
Ahead of the IPL mega auction scheduled before the 2025 season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a meeting with franchise owners to gather feedback and suggestions on the auction structure.
A key topic of discussion from the meeting has been the proposed uncapped player rule for retired players.
Did CSK Ask the BCCI to Reinstate the Uncapped Player Rule for MS Dhoni Ahead of the IPL 2025 Auction?
According to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, the franchise did not request that MS Dhoni be classified as an uncapped player.
Viswanathan explained that the rule, which allowed players retired for five years to be considered uncapped, was originally part of the BCCI’s charter when the IPL was first established.
“We have not made such a request,” Viswanathan told the Times of India. “The BCCI merely mentioned that the ‘uncapped player rule’ might be retained, but nothing has been officially announced yet.”
The rule, which was temporarily suspended in 2021, appears to be under consideration for reintroduction by the BCCI. This change could benefit the Chennai-based franchise, as MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket after the 2019 ODI World Cup, would be eligible for uncapped status under this rule.
SRH Owner Criticizes Potential Reinstatement of Uncapped Player Rule, Advocates for Senior Players’ True Value
During a recent meeting, some IPL franchise owners, including Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran, voiced strong objections to the proposed reinstatement of the uncapped player rule. Maran argued that treating retired cricketers as uncapped players undervalues their experience and brand significance. “Senior players have immense value in the IPL,” she stated. “By limiting their worth to the uncapped amount, we are not giving due respect to their contribution and potential market value.”
SRH Owner Opposes Uncapped Rule for Retired Players, Suggests Auction Should Reflect True Market Value
Kavya Maran, owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, expressed her disapproval of the move to reintroduce the uncapped player rule for retired cricketers. She believes that such a rule could undermine the true worth of senior players. “When new uncapped players command higher prices in the auction, it sets a troubling precedent to classify senior players as uncapped,” Maran explained. “The auction should reflect the value and caliber of retired players, honoring their extensive contributions to the game rather than restricting their worth to a pre-defined amount.”
Conclusion
As discussions continue about the potential reinstatement of the uncapped player rule for the IPL 2025 auction, there is notable disagreement among franchise owners. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran has voiced strong objections, arguing that senior players like MS Dhoni bring significant experience and brand value that should not be undervalued by categorizing them as uncapped players. Maran believes that the auction should reflect their true worth rather than impose a pre-defined valuation that might not honor their extensive contributions.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has clarified that CSK did not request for MS Dhoni to be classified as an uncapped player. He emphasized that the uncapped player rule, which was originally part of the IPL charter, was not something CSK had pushed for, but rather a potential decision by the BCCI. While the rule was temporarily removed in 2021, Viswanathan indicated that its possible reintroduction would be a BCCI-led initiative, potentially benefiting the Chennai-based franchise.
The debate highlights the complexities involved in balancing respect for senior players’ contributions with the need for fair valuation in the auction process. As the BCCI deliberates on the rule’s future, the final decision will impact how players like MS Dhoni are valued in the forthcoming IPL auction.