Mohammad Kaif said that he knows the IPL GC and BCCI brought in the rule to allow franchises to retain India players who haven’t played international cricket for the past 5 years as uncapped players specifically for MS Dhoni, ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

This means CSK will be able to retain MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, for only INR 4 Cr ahead of the auction.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stated that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will continue to tweak its rules as long as MS Dhoni wishes to participate. He also expressed his excitement to watch Dhoni return to action in the IPL next year.

"You will get the chance to see MS Dhoni again. He is fit, batting at a strike rate of 200, and keeping well, and that is why I believe the rules will keep changing till he wants to play. If he wants to play in the IPL, he will play. He is such a big player, such a big match-winner, and has been a leader for CSK," said Kaif on Star Sports.

Further speaking ahead, Kaif hailed the governing council’s decision and said that the aura of Dhoni would make anyone change their rules.

"I believe the rule has been changed rightly. I believe if he is fit and playing well, why not, change the rule and let him play. Everyone knows the rule has been changed for Dhoni sahab, and why not, you will want to change the rule for a player like Dhoni," he added.

The wicketkeeper hitter was at his vintage best the previous season, scoring 161 runs from 11 innings with a devastating strike rate of 220.54, clobbering 14 fours and thirteen sixes. Dhoni will be eager to sustain his excellent form in the next edition, as he prepares for his likely final hurrah.