Why MS Dhoni is not playing in the WCL? Explained
MS Dhoni (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 01 Oct 2026, 02:49 PM• Read time - 2 mins
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is back for its third season, with the tournament set to get underway on October 3 with two blockbuster clashes. India Champions and Australia Champions will face off in the curtain-raiser, which begins at 3:30 PM local time.
Pakistan Champions and Bangladesh Champions will lock horns in the second match of the day. The tournament will be played across two venues: Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India Champions have announced their squad for the marquee tournament. The side will be led by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. India Champions boast a star-studded line-up featuring the likes of Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Piyush Chawla, Ambati Rayudu, and Harbhajan Singh, among others.
Interestingly, the continued absence of former India captain MS Dhoni has often left fans perplexed and wondering why the legendary wicketkeeper-batter has not played a single season of the WCL.
Why has MS Dhoni not played in the World Championship of Legends (WCL)?
While Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). As per the regulations set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), an active Indian player featuring in the IPL is barred from participating in overseas leagues.
Therefore, fans will not be able to see Dhoni represent India Champions as long as he remains an active cricketer in the IPL.
Meanwhile, India Champions will be aiming to win the World Championship of Legends for a second time. They won the inaugural edition in 2024, defeating Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the final in Birmingham on July 13.
India Champions squad for the World Championship of Legends 2026:
Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh (C), Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Rishi Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Varun Aaron, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Abhimanyu Mithun.