CSA T20 League: BCCI blocks MS Dhoni's role as a mentor for Johannesburg Super Kings

MS Dhoni has been a legendary figure in the Super Kings camp

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni will not be able to act as the mentor of CSK-owned Johannesburg franchise for the CSA T20 League starting January next year.

Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited made the highest bid to purchase the CSA T20 league team identified as Johannesburg Super Kings.

Few reports suggested that CSK's icon player MS Dhoni could be named as the mentor of the CSK-owned T20 franchise team if BCCI gives a green signal to the move.

BCCI official's statement on Dhoni's participation

“It’s clear, no Indian player including domestic players can take part in any other league until he is retired from all forms of the game. If any player wants to take part in these upcoming leagues he can only do so when he cuts off all ties with the BCCI,” 

When asked if Dhoni can be part of such a league as a mentor or as a coach, the BCCI official said

"Then he can’t play IPL for CSK. He has to retire here first." 

BCCI's rule on participation in overseas leagues

BCCI bars players from participating in overseas leagues. If the players still wish to do so, they would have to cut off all their ties with the BCCI and its properties.

In another development, the Wanderers-based team signed South African cricketer Faf du Plessis for the inaugural edition of the CSA T20 League. The 38-year-old is one of their marquee signings. Interestingly, England and CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali has also been acquired by the franchise.

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