IPL president Arun Dhumal has refuted claims that the uncapped player rule is being reinstated specifically for Dhoni.
The BCCI has reintroduced the uncapped player rule which allows teams to retain as uncapped players players who have not played international cricket for more than five years. This rule was removed ahead of the IPL 2022 auction but was reinstated ahead of a new season.
The main objective of introducing this rule is supposed to be to accommodate MS Dhoni as an uncapped player so that he can continue playing in the league for another cycle. Now Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can retain him for just INR 4 crore while filling the top slots with other quality options.
However, IPL president Arun Dhumal has refuted claims that the rule is being reset specifically for Dhoni. In an interview with Rediff, citing Piyush Chawla and Amit Mishra as examples, Dhumal explained that several experienced players are still playing in the league and would benefit from this new rule.
“I don’t think this limitless player will be an exception for MS Dhoni. It is for all our players because there are many young talents coming into the Indian team but there are many senior players announcing their retirement from international cricket but are fit to play. You have someone like Piyush Chawla still playing in the IPL or you have Amit Mishra. “They have been out of the Indian team for many years, but they have done very well in the IPL.”
MS Dhoni’s presence popularizes the value of the league
MS Dhoni’s presence undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of the Indian Premier League, which is already among the most expensive sports leagues. Fans fill stadiums just to see Dhoni, and he is present in almost everything related to the IPL.
He has been playing in the league since its inception and has won as many as five IPL titles as captain of CSK. Furthermore, his personal performances as a batsman and wicketkeeper have been memorable as Dhoni has been among the best players in the league.
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Even at this age, he has been hitting the ball well and entertained his fans over the past season. No wonder CSK wanted him to continue.
His presence will increase the overall revenue of the league, so officials will also want Dhoni to return for the next season. However, it is not clear if CSK will retain him as a non-international player.
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