CSK Eyes Major Brand Expansion in Women’s Cricket 

Despite recent shifts, CSK had surprisingly refrained from bidding for a franchise during the inaugural WPL team auctions held back in 2023.

CSK Eyes Major Brand Expansion in Women’s Cricket 

CSK is all set to invest in women's cricket in the coming years. (via India Today)

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Chennai Super Kings is set to invest in women’s cricket and broaden its presence beyond cricket in the coming years. It marks a departure from the earlier position of CSK chairman N. Srinivasan, who had in fact advocated for women to remain away from cricket.

Women’s cricket seems to be leading the way now, having become a popular sport in households all around India. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is widely considered the main catalyst for this surge in popularity. WPL has transitioned into a commercial powerhouse, with its valuation estimated at $150 million, surpassing that of some of the richest men’s cricket leagues in the world.

Financially, the WPL has reached new heights, with total sponsorship spending having tripled from 2023 to 2026. In terms of viewership, the 2025 season saw a 142 percent annual surge in TV ratings, having approached the levels of men’s cricket. Most notably, the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa, played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, was watched by a record 446 million viewers. 

All of it has turned women’s cricket into a lucrative opportunity for IPL franchises to invest in, a trend already embraced by teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians through sister WPL franchises.

CSK is also looking to jump in as well, with the franchise poised to expand its presence in women’s cricket in the future. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, while speaking at an event, confirmed the team’s long-term strategy, where he stated that women’s cricket will be a top priority.

Viswanathan added that CSK also plans to explore opportunities in other popular sports, following a model similar to that of JSW Group and Adani Sportsline. It is among the seven teams yet to acquire a WPL franchise, but may do so when the tournament expands beyond its current five-team structure.

Meanwhile, Chennai will be adopting a phased and sustainable approach to this investment, beginning with grassroots women’s cricket development in Tamil Nadu. Viswanathan said at the ‘Invest in Tamil Nadu’ conclave:

Not immediately, but certainly in the coming years, CSK will expand its footprint. Our first target will be women’s cricket. We may also go into other sports over time.

In case CSK enters the WPL, they would continue their iconic ‘Yellow’ identity, which is currently valued at around $231 million. The new WPL franchise could join the Super Kings Group, alongside the MLC side Texas Super Kings and the SA20 side Joburg Super Kings.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan assures MS Dhoni’s permanent role with franchise ahead of IPL 2026

MS Dhoni is likely to remain with Chennai Super Kings indefinitely, as the five-time IPL champions plan to keep the legendary captain’s role secure for the future. According to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, when the 44-year-old eventually retires, he will transition into a non-playing role.

CSK MS Dhoni role
MS Dhoni is expected to retain his place at CSK, even after retirement. (via NDTV Sports)

Viswanathan, speaking at an event, recently confirmed the World Cup-winning captain’s availability for the upcoming 2026 IPL season, while adding that Dhoni would remain a permanent member of the franchise for good. He reflected on the time when CSK acquired the wicket-keeper batter’s services in 2008, stating that the vision was to put a man in charge who would have control over the field, and deliver success.

Kasi Viswanathan further explained that CSK picked Dhoni over the more-established players, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly. The franchise chief revealed the team’s plan for the former India keeper, which is to integrate him into the administrative side. He also mentioned Dhoni’s interaction with chess prodigy Gukesh D, stating that MSD will be the face for CSK’s future projects.

MSD will surely play this season and will be with CSK forever. And the very next step for us will be to invest in women’s cricket. You can be sure of it.

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the 44-year-old legend. Mahendra Singh Dhoni might also take up a mentorship role at Chennai Super Kings, given he is frequently seen training and guiding local players in his hometown of Ranchi, Jharkhand. 

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