Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for tweaking its uncapped player retention rule, which enabled Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain MS Dhoni for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Gavaskar’s Concerns Over Rule Change
- The BCCI revived an old rule, allowing players who haven’t played international cricket for five years to be considered uncapped.
- Gavaskar believes this sets a dangerous precedent, as it inflates salaries for uncapped players, potentially harming Indian cricket’s future.
- He argued that many uncapped players fail to justify their high price tags, leading to pressure and performance decline.
Impact on IPL & Indian Cricket
- Gavaskar warned that young players may lose motivation after securing big paychecks, affecting their long-term development.
- He urged the BCCI to reverse the rule change, suggesting a salary cap for uncapped players to maintain competitive balance.
- The rule also benefited Rajasthan Royals, who retained pacer Sandeep Sharma under the same provision.
Industry Reactions & Future Outlook
- Cricket analysts have debated whether Dhoni’s retention under this rule was justified, given his legendary status in the IPL.
- The BCCI has yet to respond to Gavaskar’s concerns, but discussions around uncapped player salaries are expected to continue.
