The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly advocating for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate an old rule that would allow them to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for the IPL 2025 season. Representatives from the BCCI and IPL franchises convened in Mumbai on July 31 to discuss the regulations for the upcoming mega auction.

CSK has proposed that the BCCI reintroduce a rule, in place until 2021, which permitted international cricketers to play as uncapped players if they had been retired for over five years. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, would thus qualify under this rule.

According to ESPNCricinfo, the reinstatement of this rule would enable CSK to retain Dhoni without utilizing a capped player slot, thereby allowing the franchise to bolster their squad with additional top-tier talent. In the 2022 mega auction, teams were allowed to retain four players, but many franchises are now pushing for an increase in the number of retainable players.

However, CSK's proposal faces opposition from other franchises. Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran voiced her disapproval, arguing that such a rule would undervalue Dhoni's market worth and legacy. Other franchise representatives echoed Maran's sentiment, urging the BCCI to maintain the current trules.