Born in India · Nationality Indian — Cricket / India captain / IPL / sporting governance / sponsorship

MS Dhoni

Documented profile covering 7 controversies, including “2011–2012: seven consecutive overseas defeats and strong criticism of Test captaincy” and “2013–2016: temporary shareholding in Rhiti Sports and debate over conflict of interest”.

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Profile No. 1949 · Updated on 12 October 2026

7Documented controversies

11Sources

0Formal charge · all time

0Conviction

§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology

I. Documented controversies

July 2019–15 August 2020

2019–2020: prolonged debate over India team place, exclusion from central contract list and international retirement

No legal proceedings

Following the 2019 World Cup, Dhoni's international future remained under continuous debate: non-selection, unavailability for certain tours and subsequent omission from the 2019–2020 central contracts list. He eventually announced his international retirement in August 2020.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 3

[1]
ICC'Retirement is Dhoni's personal call, but selectors should communicate about future' – SehwagSports governing bodyVery high reliability
[2]
The Indian ExpressExplained: Why BCCI's denial of contract to Dhoni does not mean he's overPressHigh reliability
[3]
ICCMS Dhoni retires from all international cricketSports governing bodyVery high reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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March–July 2019

2019: Amrapali dispute — Dhoni seeks unpaid sums while Supreme Court demands transparency on all transactions

No legal proceedings

Dhoni approached the Supreme Court to protect his rights to an apartment and claim approximately 40 crore rupees in endorsement fees. At the same time, the Court ordered Amrapali to detail its transactions with him, and auditors examined payments to Rhiti Sports and a company linked to his wife.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 2

[1]
The Indian ExpressSupreme Court instructs Amrapali Group to reveal all transactions with MS DhoniPressHigh reliability
[2]
The Indian ExpressExplained: Sakshi Dhoni's links with Amrapali, the company under investigation for fraudPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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11–12 April 2019

April 2019: enters pitch to challenge umpiring decision, Level 2 offence and 50% fine

Civil / administrative proceedings

During an IPL match against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni left the team area and entered the field to challenge a no-ball incident with the umpires. He admitted a Level 2 code violation and was fined 50% of his match fee.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 1

[1]
ICCMS Dhoni fined 50% of match fees for outburstSports governing bodyVery high reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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5–8 June 2019

June 2019: military insignia on World Cup gloves, ICC requests removal

No legal proceedings

During the World Cup, Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves displayed a symbol associated with Indian special forces. The ICC requested its removal under rules prohibiting certain personal messages or symbols on equipment.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 1

[1]
The Indian ExpressWhat is MS Dhoni's army insignia controversy?PressHigh reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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April 2016

April 2016: Amrapali homeowners' campaign and Dhoni's withdrawal as brand ambassador

No legal proceedings

Homeowners in Amrapali projects challenged Dhoni over alleged delays and shortcomings by the developer he had represented for several years. Following a massive social media campaign, Dhoni ceased to be the group's ambassador.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Directly implicated

Sources · 1

[1]
Hindustan TimesDhoni quits as realty firm's brand ambassador after Twitter uproarPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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March–June 2013; débat institutionnel prolongé

2013–2016: temporary shareholding in Rhiti Sports and debate over conflict of interest

No legal proceedings

The revelation that Dhoni had briefly held shares in Rhiti Sports, a company representing him and several other players, sparked debate over a potential conflict of interest for the captain and someone with informal influence over selection.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Direct responsibility

Sources · 2

[1]
The Indian ExpressRhiti Sports admits M S Dhoni held stake, but denies wrongdoingPressHigh reliability
[2]
The Indian ExpressConflict of interest: Here are some names cited as examples by Justice RM LodhaPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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2011–31 January 2012

2011–2012: seven consecutive overseas defeats and strong criticism of Test captaincy

No legal proceedings

Following two very difficult series in England and Australia, Dhoni had suffered seven consecutive overseas Test defeats as captain. In response to criticism, he said he would be willing to relinquish the captaincy if a better replacement existed.

State of the evidence: Documented
Attribution: Direct responsibility

Sources · 1

[1]
ICCDhoni ready to quit Test captaincy for a better replacementSports governing bodyVery high reliability

Last verified: 13 September 2026

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II. Constellation of documented links

No documented link with another published profile for now.

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

III. Has something changed?

A new court decision, a missing source, a mistake? Tell us what should be updated: every request is read by the editorial team.

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