In a move that could significantly impact the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering reinstating a scrapped retention rule, potentially allowing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their legendary captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. This rule, which allowed teams to retain players who haven't played international cricket, was originally in place since the first IPL season in 2008 but was scrapped in 2021 due to lack of use.

During a recent meeting with BCCI officials, CSK, one of the most successful teams in IPL history, advocated for the reintroduction of this regulation, raising the possibility of its return. The reinstatement of the rule could potentially enable CSK to retain the 43-year-old Dhoni at a significantly lower cost compared to previous years, where he cost Rs 12 crores in the 2022 season. Initially, CSK could keep an uncapped player for as little as Rs 4 crore.

“There is a bright possibility of the rule coming back. It was discussed at length during the meeting last month and could well be brought back when the player regulations are announced,” a source close to the matter revealed to News18. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has stated that the team did not specifically request this rule, but he acknowledged that BCCI had mentioned the possibility of its return.

Reintroducing this rule could provide CSK with a strategic advantage, enabling them to retain their iconic captain without burdening their budget. Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Dhoni had stepped down as captain, handing over the reins to the young and talented Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite CSK narrowly missing out on a playoff spot and finishing fifth on the points table, Dhoni demonstrated his enduring prowess by scoring 161 runs from just 73 balls at an impressive strike rate of 220.55.