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Years after taking retirement from international cricket, MS Dhoni’s popularity among the fans remains unmatched. Even at the age of 44, the Indian cricket fans are waiting to see a glimpse of the former captain, playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Due to a calf muscle injury, MSD is yet to feature in an IPL 2026 match. Whether he will play this year is not clear. But, keeping the popularity and legacy in mind, the co-owner of the European T20 Premier League, Abhishek Bachchan, would love to see the former Indian captain feature in the upcoming T20 franchise league in Europe.
MS Dhoni to play outside India?
Under the observation of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the cricket market has been expanding. In the 2026 T20 World Cup, Italy was among the teams that qualified. The emergence of Italy is a landmark in cricket history.
Behind the European T20 Premier League is encouraging the cricketers in Europe. Through this league, local talents will be able to showcase their skills. To make the tournament attractive and popular among cricket fans, the officials of the league might look to confirm multiple marquee signings.
Why is MS Dhoni essential for the European T20 League?
India is currently the powerhouse of cricket. But due to BCCI’s guidelines, none of the active Indian cricketers will be able to take part in any other franchise leagues outside India. Indian cricketers, like MS Dhoni, who have retired from International cricket, can play outside the nation.
If Abhishek Bachchan and Co. can bring MS Dhoni on board for the inaugural season of the league, then it will be huge for them. Abhishek directly says that he would love to sign the former India captain.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni,” Bachchan replied to PTI instantly when asked about his dream Indian signing for the ETPL.
“We would have loved to have the (current) Indian cricketers as part of the ETPL. But as we all know, Indian cricketers under contract with the BCCI are not permitted to play outside the IPL. We will miss them. It would have been wonderful to have them. Outside of the Indian talent pool, we have the rest of the world’s greatest cricketers who are coming and playing in the ETPL. So, I think we will be okay,” he further explained.
Multiple legends have already joined the league
The Bollywood star also makes it clear that all of the franchises in the newly founded franchise league will have to ensure local and European talents in the squad, who will be playing alongside some of the greats in the game.
“The idea is to create a funnel for local talent to come through and play. Each team has to have local talent and European players as well, and they get to play alongside some of the greats of the game,” he said.
Former cricketers like Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh, Jonty Rhodes, and Glenn Maxwell have joined the league as franchise owners.
Read More: MS Dhoni update: CSK legend hints at playing against Rishabh Pant’s LSG in IPL 2026
