As IPL 2025 approaches, excitement is growing. All ten teams are busy preparing their retention lists ahead of the mega auction. By the end of this month or early next month, most teams will submit the names of retained players to the BCCI. All other players will enter the auction, so franchises are on high alert.
The entire cricket community is eagerly waiting for the BCCI’s retention policy. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seems particularly eager to understand these guidelines. This policy will decide if the legendary MS Dhoni will play another season. According to media reports, CSK has prepared a list of five players they want to retain, along with a significant decision regarding Dhoni. Some big names are surprisingly not included in this list.
CSK has already identified five players they wish to keep before the mega auction. Reports suggest that the BCCI may allow franchises to retain six players, including the right to match. However, no official announcement has been made yet. The five players on CSK’s retention list are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni. Shockingly, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Maheesh Theekshana are not included. Given that Dhoni may not play beyond the 2025 season, CSK has made a bold decision by excluding some key players.
CSK officials have already requested the BCCI to bring back an old rule. This rule allowed franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped players, which meant they had lower salaries. However, the board has not yet made a decision on this matter. Keeping players in the uncapped category would allow CSK to retain Dhoni while keeping his salary lower.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Mega Auction will Not be Held in India- BCCI Chooses This Country
Under the old rules, players who retired from international cricket for over five years could be considered uncapped. This rule was introduced in 2008 and was in place until 2021, after which it was stopped. Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020. CSK hopes that the deadline will allow retired players to be treated as uncapped again. If the rule returns, both Dhoni and CSK could benefit. Questions remain about whether Dhoni will return for IPL 2025, and the impact player rule may also play a role. However, Dhoni’s presence would certainly benefit the IPL, depending largely on the retention policy set by the BCCI.
