Dhoni to play another season in IPL as 'uncapped player'? Here's what the rule says

MS Dhoni has returned to the limelight following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) announcement of the IPL 2025 retention and auction rules. One significant rule reintroduced is the 'uncapped player' regulation, which was active from 2008 to 2020.

This rule allows teams to buy an Indian player, who hasn’t played international cricket in the last five years or doesn’t have a central contract, as an uncapped player at a base price of Rs 4 lakh. Meanwhile, teams need to pay at least Rs 11 crore to retain a capped player.

BCCI also revealed that teams can retain six players through retentions and Right To Match (RTM) cards. Payment structures for the retained players are tiered, with the first and fourth choices earning Rs 18 crore, the second and fifth choices Rs 18 crore, and the third option Rs 11 crore. The overall purse has also been increased to Rs 120 crore.

MS Dhoni, who was anticipated to retire after the 2024 IPL season, had left his future uncertain after leading Chennai Super Kings to victory in the 2023 season. He stepped down as captain in 2024, passing the leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad but has not made clear plans for retirement.

Dhoni’s future in IPL has always hinged on the auction rules, as he has expressed concerns about not burdening the team’s financial resources. Fans have been buzzing on social media, speculating that the return of the uncapped player rule increases the likelihood of MS Dhoni playing in the IPL for another year.