Sun Oct 06 17:37:47 UTC 2024: ## Dhoni’s Return to CSK Still Uncertain Despite ‘Uncapped Player’ Rule
**Chennai, India** – Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reinstating the ‘uncapped player’ rule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2025 to 2027, the return of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains uncertain.
The new rule, which was scrapped in 2021, allows CSK to retain Dhoni for another season, a move that would have surely delighted fans. However, Dhoni, retired from international cricket since 2020, has stated his decision will depend on the IPL Governing Council’s player retention rules.
“There is a lot of time for it. We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court,” Dhoni said, adding, “Once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team.”
Under the new rules, IPL franchises can retain up to six players from their previous squads using a combination of direct retention and the “Right to Match” (RTM) option at the auction. The total team purse has been increased to ₹120 crore, with ₹75 crore dedicated for RTM.
The BCCI has also announced a fixed match fee of ₹7.50 lakh for all players, and a fixed salary purse of ₹12.60 crore in addition to the auction purse.
“The total salary cap will now consist of auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees,” the BCCI stated. “Previously in 2024, the total salary cap was Rs. 110 Crs which will now be Rs. 146 Crs (2025), Rs. 151 Crs (2026) and Rs. 157 Crs (2027).”
While the BCCI’s move opens the door for Dhoni’s potential return to CSK, the final decision rests solely with the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman. Fans will have to wait until later this month when he is expected to meet with CSK officials.
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