MS Dhoni’s CSK Stake Saga Takes New Turn as Franchise Denies Any Such Discussion
Reports had claimed that Dhoni was seeking a 25 per cent stake in CSK, with the figure later said to have been reduced to 20 per cent. The franchise was then reportedly willing to offer only 5.5 per cent, leading to speculation over a possible disagreement between the former captain and the CSK management.
XtraTime Webdesk: The controversy surrounding MS Dhoni’s reported bid for a larger stake in Chennai Super Kings has taken another turn, with the franchise now denying that any such discussion ever took place. Reports had claimed that Dhoni was seeking a 25 per cent stake in CSK, with the figure later said to have been reduced to 20 per cent. The franchise was then reportedly willing to offer only 5.5 per cent, leading to speculation over a possible disagreement between the former captain and the CSK management.
However, a senior CSK functionary has now firmly rejected that version of events. According to a report, the official said that Dhoni had never approached the franchise regarding a stake and that no discussion on the matter had taken place. The official also said there was no information suggesting that Dhoni had discussed the issue with former CSK senior functionary Mr N Srinivasan.
The clarification significantly changes the picture surrounding Dhoni’s reported ownership plans. While the franchise has denied any negotiations for an increased stake, the former India captain does have a financial connection with CSK. He reportedly owns more than one lakh shares in the company, although that holding represents only a small portion of the franchise.
CSK is an unlisted company, meaning its shares are not available for regular trading and can instead change hands through private, off-market transactions. Dhoni’s existing holding therefore remains separate from the reported claim that he was looking to acquire a much larger portion of the franchise.
The latest development also puts the focus back on Dhoni’s continuing influence within CSK. Despite the franchise denying the reported stake negotiations, he remains an important figure in the organisation and continues to have a say in key cricketing decisions. With the franchise now publicly distancing itself from the reported 25 per cent stake demand, the CSK-Dhoni ownership story appears far less straightforward than the initial reports suggested.
