The ban on Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals is over officially and a top CSK official said the franchise will look to retain as many players and support staff it had in 2015.
"Super Morning, lions! The wait is finally over. Time to rise and shine! #CSKReturns #whistlepodu," the franchise said on its Twitter handle (@ChennaiIPl).
According to George John, one of the directors of Chennai Super Kings Cricket limited, which runs the team, "The ban is officially over. It is good that we are back. As far as possible we will try to retain the players and support staff we had."
About the team's marquee player MS Dhoni, who led CSK since the inception of IPl in 2008, John told PTI, "we have to see what the BCCI has to offer. If there is an option of retaining of a player, it would be him (Dhoni.)"
"We haven't spoken to Dhoni yet as his contract with Pune ends later this year. However, we will speak to him as and when we make our plans for the next season," he added.
Meanwhile, the BCCI welcomed the IPl franchises — CSK and Rajasthan Royals — back into the league. Acting President of the BCCI, CK Khanna said: "VIVO IPl will be enriched by the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Both the teams have enjoyed tremendous on- field success and have a mass following.”