The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has reinstated an old rule that allows franchises to register players who have retired from international cricket or haven’t played for a long time as ‘uncapped’. This rule gives all 10 IPL franchises a chance to rethink their retention strategies. However, many believe this change was specifically made to benefit MS Dhoni, allowing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain him as an uncapped player for just INR 4 crore.
Though CSK has stated that they haven’t had any discussions with Dhoni regarding this matter, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is certain the IPL rules were adjusted to ensure Dhoni continues playing. “You will get to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, keeping well, and that’s why I believe the rules will keep changing as long as he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will. He’s such a big player, such a big match-winner, and a leader for CSK,” Kaif said during a chat on Star Sports.
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Despite making a bold claim, Kaif doesn’t believe the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was wrong to modify the rules. He thinks IPL rules will continue to change if Dhoni decides to keep playing. Kaif also sees nothing wrong with this adjustment. “I think the rule was changed for good reason. If he’s fit and playing well, why not change the rule and let him play? Everyone knows the rule was changed for Dhoni, and rightly so. For a player like Dhoni, you’d want to make such changes,” Kaif added.
Dhoni had previously hinted that his future as a player in the IPL would depend on the league’s retention rules. While the new rules are now public, Dhoni has yet to announce his decision on the matter.