Former India captain MS Dhoni became a life member of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on Sunday, two days before his 39th birthday. He is now eligible to vote in the JSCA elections. 

The management committee had taken the decision last year on September 27. Dhoni couldn't cast his vote in the previous internal poll on September 22, 2019.

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Dhoni's name wasn't included in the revised list despite an official announcement being made in Jamshedpur on October 31. 

After completing the process, Dhoni's name was included in the life members' list on the JSCA website. “Those interested in life membership have to apply and pay the requisite fees. Dhoni’s case was different and hence the committee of management initiated the process last year.

"It was formally announced at the AGM but the process took time because we were awaiting a few documents, which we eventually got in March,” Sanjay Sahay, JSCA secretary, said. 

“The nationwide lockdown in March further delayed the process. The list has to be approved by the office-bearers including the president and secretary. We have uploaded the list on the website,” Sahay added. 

According to the JSCA constitution, persons residing in the state of Jharkhand above the age of 18 enrolled as members as per Rule 3 can become life members.

It also says that former international cricketers (men and women) hailing from the state shall automatically be inducted as life members. 

Rule 3 also says that applications for life membership shall be submitted to the secretary in the prescribed form with a fee of Rs 10,000. The list contains 645 names and Dhoni’s name is last in it. His membership number is 1951. 

Apart from Dhoni, Varun Aaron, Saurabh Tiwary, and Shahbaz Nadeem were also included in the list.