MS Dhoni’s Uncapped Status in IPL 2025: Key Changes Announced
In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be classified as an ‘uncapped’ player if he chooses to participate in the 2025 season. This decision comes as part of new regulations unveiled by the IPL governing council during their recent meeting held in Bengaluru.
Retention Rules and Auction Details
The governing body has established that franchises will have the ability to retain up to six players from their current rosters prior to the upcoming mega auction, which is set for later this year. Additionally, teams will see an increase in their auction budget, now totaling ₹120 crore for the 2025 season.
A pivotal aspect of this meeting was the introduction of rules regarding uncapped players. Under these new guidelines, Chennai Super Kings could potentially retain Dhoni as an uncapped player. The rule stipulates that any Indian cricketer who has represented India but hasn’t played a match for five consecutive calendar years will be reclassified as uncapped. Since Dhoni last donned national colors during a World Cup match against New Zealand in 2019, he falls into this category ahead of IPL 2025.
Summary of Governing Council Decisions
Here’s a breakdown of key decisions made during the IPL Governing Council meeting:
- Player Retention: Franchises can retain up to six players through either retention or utilizing their Right to Match (RTM) option.
- Capped and Uncapped Players: Teams can choose any combination within their retentions/RTMs; however, they are limited to five capped players (both Indian and overseas) and two uncapped players.
- Increased Auction Purse: The total budget allocated per franchise has been raised from ₹110 crore in 2024 to ₹120 crore for 2025. This salary cap includes not only auction funds but also performance bonuses and match fees.
- Introduction of Match Fees: For the first time ever, each playing member—including those designated as Impact Players—will receive a match fee amounting to ₹7.5 lakh per game on top of their existing contracts.
- Overseas Player Registration: All overseas participants must register for participation in the Big Auction; failure to do so renders them unable to register for subsequent auctions.
- Consequences for Withdrawal Post-Auction: Any player who registers but subsequently withdraws before season commencement will face a ban from both participating in that tournament and future auctions lasting two seasons.
- Uncapping Criteria: An Indian player becomes classified as uncapped if they have not appeared in an international starting XI across all formats (Test matches, ODIs, T20Is) or lack a Central Contract with BCCI over five years leading up to that season.
- Continuity of Impact Player Regulation: The regulation allowing teams flexibility with Impact Players remains intact through this cycle spanning from 2025 until 2027.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts by IPL organizers aimed at enhancing competitiveness while ensuring fair play among franchises. As fans eagerly await further developments leading into what promises another thrilling season ahead, MS Dhoni’s potential return adds yet another layer of excitement surrounding IPL’s future landscape.
