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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for its 2025 season, discussions around retention policies and player auctions are intensifying. A key topic of debate is a proposed rule change that could allow players who have been retired from international cricket for at least five years to be considered “uncapped players.” This proposal, which has significant implications for the league, was brought up during a recent meeting between IPL authorities and franchise owners, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Revisiting the IPL rule
The rule in question, originally in place from 2008 to 2021, allowed players who had retired from international cricket for more than five years to be classified as uncapped. Although this rule existed for over a decade, it was never actually implemented in any significant way. However, the possibility of reviving this rule has sparked considerable interest, especially among certain franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Ravichandran Ashwin weighs in
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently voiced his thoughts on the potential return of this rule, particularly in relation to MS Dhoni. Ashwin speculated on whether Dhoni, who last played international cricket in 2019, could be reclassified as an uncapped player if the rule were reinstated.
“Will Dhoni play as an uncapped player? That’s a big question mark. The point is valid—he hasn’t played international cricket for several years, and he’s retired. So technically, he could be considered an uncapped player. But can a player of Dhoni’s stature really be treated as uncapped? That’s a whole other discussion. Obviously, when it comes to Dhoni, it’s a topic that will generate a lot of buzz,” Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Also READ: Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2025? CSK legend opens up on his future
Implications and resistance
If the rule is reinstated, it could have significant financial benefits for franchises like CSK. For example, Dhoni was retained by the team ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction for ₹12 crore. Under the uncapped player classification, this retention could cost CSK just ₹4 crore, potentially giving them more budget flexibility to strengthen their squad in other areas.
Despite the potential benefits for some teams, the majority of IPL franchises reportedly oppose bringing back this rule. Their concern is that it could create an unfair advantage for teams with iconic players like Dhoni, who would gain an unexpected financial edge under the revised classification.
Dhoni’s enduring legacy at CSK
MS Dhoni’s influence on CSK is nothing short of legendary. As captain, he guided CSK to five IPL titles since the league’s inception in 2008, solidifying their status as one of the most successful franchises. Last season, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, marking a new era for the team. However, CSK faced a tough season under new leadership, narrowly missing out on the playoffs after a critical loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite the setback, Dhoni’s legacy remains a cornerstone of CSK’s enduring success.
