The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ethics Officer, Justice Arun Mishra (retired), has dismissed a complaint accusing former India captain MS Dhoni of conflict-of-interest violations linked to his association with cricket academies run by M/s Aarka Sports and Management Private Limited while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The complaint, filed in February 2024, alleged that Dhoni breached BCCI’s conflict-of-interest rules by being both a current IPL player and an academy owner. It cited provisions under Rule 38(4)(a) and Rule 38(4)(p), while also claiming that Dhoni failed to properly disclose his interests after the 2018 amendments to BCCI’s regulations.

However, Justice Mishra’s ruling stated that the academy agreement was signed in 2017, which was before the conflict-of-interest rules came into force in September 2018. The order noted that this timing was a crucial factor in determining that no violation had occurred.

The Ethics Officer also found no evidence that Dhoni had institutional control or decision-making authority in the academy while participating in the IPL. The ruling further clarified that simply being an IPL player does not automatically create a conflict of interest under BCCI regulations.

Additionally, the order highlighted that the complainant appeared to be involved in a commercial dispute with the parties concerned, and that no proof of bias, favouritism or preferential treatment had been presented.

With these findings, the Ethics Officer dismissed the complaint, clearing Dhoni of all allegations. The legendary cricketer is now preparing for his 19th IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, who will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals.