Chennai Super Kings have denied reports that former captain and current player MS Dhoni sought a sizeable stake in the IPL franchise. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told PTI the speculation was unfounded and pushed back against claims that a failed deal could affect Dhoni’s future with the team.
“The rumours are completely baseless,” Viswanathan told PTI.
The denial follows reports last week that Dhoni wanted to buy a stake in CSK to deepen his long association with the franchise. Those reports also claimed the talks collapsed because the franchise management did not accept his terms, fuelling fresh questions over whether the 45-year-old will play again for the five-time champions.
Stake Talks Details
The reported talks centred on a large gap in valuation. Dhoni was said to have first asked for a 25% stake, while CSK’s owners were reportedly ready to offer 3%.
The gap narrowed only slightly. Dhoni was said to have cut his demand to 20% and then 18%, while the management’s offers reportedly moved up to 4% and then 5.5%.