EXPLAINED: Why MS Dhoni cannot play any 'Legends' tournament' despite retiring from international cricket

The evergrowing popularity of T20 cricket has taken over the Indian fans and the craze among the masses has seen the legends coming out of retirement to entertain the crowd. Even the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and other legends are back on the field and are plying their trade in different leagues.

To watch these legends once again is a treat for the fans but there's one legend who continues to be absent from these 'Legends' tournaments'. Yes, we are talking about MS Dhoni. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni hasn't featured in any tournament other than IPL.

The former India captain is a cut above the rest and his presence can help any tournament's popularity grow manifolds. But Dhoni isn't seen in any of these tournaments. Why?

The reason behind Dhoni not featuring in any 'Legends' League' is IPL. As per the rules, a player has to retire from Indian cricket to take up a playing or coaching role with any other team outside of BCCI's umbrella. So if Dhoni wants to play any other league, he has to also quit playing IPL. The day he will retire from the T20 league, Dhoni can go on to coach CSK's sister franchise, Johannesburg Super Kings, and can don the mentor's hat for the Yellow Army at the same time.

Most recently, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa announced their retirements from Indian cricket. While Raina is already playing a legends' tournament, Uthappa is now also allowed to play any league. He can also sign up for Big Bash League, The Hundred, Vitality T20 Blast or any other tournament.

Since Dhoni has already confirmed that he will be playing IPL 2023, the future ICC Hall of Famer won't be seen in any other tournament till the mid of 2023. He can definitely add the star power to any other league once he quits IPL.