MS Dhoni Gets Clean Chit From BCCI Ethics Officer Ahead of IPL 2026

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared MS Dhoni of conflict of interest allegations ahead of IPL 2026, with the board's Ethics Officer dismissing a complaint filed against the Chennai Super Kings veteran.

The complaint, originally lodged in February 2024, alleged that Dhoni violated BCCI's conflict of interest regulations by simultaneously being a "current player" and the owner of a cricket academy.

BCCI dismisses complaint against MS Dhoni

The ruling was delivered by BCCI Ethics Officer Justice Arun Mishra (retd), who concluded that no case of conflict of interest could be established against the former India captain.

The complaint argued that Dhoni's association with cricket academies operated by Aarka Sports and Management Private Limited violated Rule 38(4)(a) and Rule 38(4)(p) of the BCCI conflict of interest regulations.

Dhoni was also accused of failing to comply with disclosure obligations under Rule 38(2) and Rule 38(5) following amendments introduced in 2018.

However, the Ethics Officer ruled that the agreement related to the academies had been signed in 2017, before the revised conflict of interest rules came into effect.

What was the final ruling?

In his order, Justice Mishra noted that while Dhoni could be considered associated with the academies, the timing of the agreement meant it did not violate the regulations.

"Shri MS Dhoni can be said to be the owner of the cricket academies opened by M/s Aarka Sports and Management Private Limited. However, the agreement was entered into in 2017, whereas the regulations came into force in September 2018," the order stated.

"On facts, conflict of interest at the relevant time when Shri MS Dhoni represented India as captain or player has not been made out."

The order also stated that several additional allegations made in the complaint fell outside the scope of Rule 38 and appeared to stem from personal grievances.

MS Dhoni set to play IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings

The decision clears any uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's participation in IPL 2026.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has already been retained by Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming season. CSK's CEO recently confirmed that Dhoni is expected to be available for all matches in the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30 before hosting Punjab Kings in Chennai on April 3. Their next fixture will see them travel to Bengaluru to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5.