'MS Dhoni wanted...': Tamil Nadu Cricket Association shoots down Dhoni's special request

After Ranchi, if there is any place that is touted as the home of MS Dhoni, then it ought to be Chennai. The former India captain has led the Chennai Super Kings franchise in the entirety of IPL, winning 5 titles in the process. While Dhoni's influence and stature are on another level and is known as 'Thala' in Chennai but it does not mean his every demand will be met in the southern state.

3 things you need to know

• MS Dhoni made a special request to TNCA
• Dhoni wanted Jharkhand's entry into a competition
• Dhoni's request has been dismissed

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MS Dhoni requested Jharkhand's entry into Buchi Babu tournament

According to reports, MS Dhoni's desire to include the Jharkhand state team in the next Buchi Babu tournament was denied by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Due to Tamil Nadu's dismal performance in the Ranji Trophy, the local competition has officially been reinstated after a six-year hiatus. Twelve teams are participating in the competition, which is divided into four groups of three teams each. The teams who finish first in their groups advance to the semifinals. The games will take place over the course of four days at Dindigul, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Coimbatore.

TNCA launches video scorecard technology for all India Buchi Babu tournament. pic.twitter.com/HHIAolsq2Y

— Santhosh Kumar (@giffy6ty) August 10, 2023

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MS Dhoni's request denied

The organizers decided to extend the timeframe and raise the number of teams from eight to twelve due to the strong interest from other state teams. The event features teams from several states, including Tripura, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Former India captain MS Dhoni wished his native state of Jharkhand had also been added. Due to the lack of free space, the request was declined.

"MS Dhoni wanted Jharkhand included, but it was too tight. We couldn’t fit them because we already have 12 teams. Even Services and Chhattisgarh wanted to participate. We have decided to hold the tournament in Coimbatore, Salem, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli on green-tops as it will give players a good preparation since clubs use the event to prepare for the pre-season." TNCA secretary RI Palani stated.

The competition's winners will receive a prize of 3 lahks, while the runners-up will get 2 lakh rupees.