CSK's MS Dhoni Lands In Legal Trouble Days Before IPL 2026

MS Dhoni (Source:X)

In a significant development, former India captain MS Dhoni has been issued a notice by the Jharkhand State Housing Board over the alleged misuse of a residential plot in Ranchi. The board has raised concerns that the property, which was allotted strictly for housing purposes, may have been used for commercial activities.

According to officials, the plot in question is located on Harmu Road in Ranchi. MS Dhoni had earlier lived at this address before moving to his current residence on Ring Road.

Notice served to MS Dhoni over alleged misuse of residential plot

The land was allotted to MS Dhoni in 2006 under the then Jharkhand government, with clear terms stating that it was to be used only for residential purposes.

The issue came to light after allegations surfaced that a diagnostic facility was operating on the premises, according to Aaj Tak .

Following these claims, the Housing Board initiated an inquiry to verify whether the land use violated the original allotment conditions.

It is important to mention that Jharkhand Housing Board Chairman Sanjay Lal Paswan confirmed that notices were not sent only to MS Dhoni.

He stated that several individuals and officials who were allotted residential plots have also received notices after reports suggested commercial usage in certain cases.

Paswan explained that the board had allotted land on Harmu Road to multiple people for residential purposes. However, when information was received that some plots were allegedly being used commercially, the board decided to act.

After conducting a probe, the authorities issued notices seeking explanations from the concerned parties, including MS Dhoni.

Why did Jharkhand State Housing Board issue notice to MS Dhoni?

The notice sent to MS Dhoni states that using the residential plot for commercial activities would be a violation of the rules and conditions under which the land was granted. Dhoni has been asked to submit a reply clarifying his position on the matter.

Officials have made it clear that if MS Dhoni fails to respond within the given time or does not provide a satisfactory explanation, the board may begin proceedings to cancel the allotment. Any such action, they said, would follow established legal procedures and housing regulations.

So far, it is vital to mention that Dhoni has not publicly responded to the notice.

MS Dhoni to return to action for CSK in IPL 2026

The development comes at a time when Dhoni is preparing for the upcoming IPL season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter was recently seen training in Ranchi ahead of IPL 2026.

He was retained by the CSK ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction under the revised retention rules. The franchise kept him for ₹4 crore as an uncapped player.

Looking at the stats, MS Dhoni has played 278 matches and scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45 for CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant.