'Longer Dhoni Can Play, It's Good For IPL': Ex-SRH Coach Welcomes New Uncapped Player Rule

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody has welcomed the BCCI’s decision to re-introduce the uncapped player rule, via which an Indian player who hasn’t played any international match in the last five years can be retained as an uncapped player for Rs 4 crore. After BCCI announced the IPL 2025 players retention rules last month, it became clear that Chennai Super Kings will have a chance to retain Dhoni for a low price.

Many fans and experts of the game believe that the rule was introduced so that Dhoni can play for one more season in the cash-rich league. When asked about the new uncapped player rule in the ESPNCricinfo show, Moody welcomed the decision and said, “I think it’s a great rule. I think it allows, if you are good enough and you have got longevity, it allows a player to continue to play on the big stage and perform and have some sort of role; without them, I suppose, you are making it difficult, from a price perspective, to retain those players because they might be the identity, or in Dhoni’s case, certainly he is the identity of CSK. So, I don’t think that’s an issue at all. I think the longer the likes of iconic players like Dhoni can play in the IPL and can physically deliver like he has been, it’s good for the tournament.”

The former Australian cricketer, who has also served as head coach of the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team in the past, also added that the five-year rule can be further cut down to three years.

“I personally think five years is a long time; I would like to see it as a three-year window. Once a player has played his last international game, I think if you are out of international cricket or you haven’t been considered to play for India over that three-year window, you should be given the right of passage to be able to come in at that four-crow level,” he added.

Despite BCCI giving CSK an option to keep Dhoni without spending much money, it remains to be seen if the former Indian captain takes part in the cash-rich league next year. It was reported by Cricbuzz on Saturday that he is still not confirmed for IPL 2025 and will convey his decision to CSK officials later this month.