The move cements Dhoni's bond with BCCI chief N Srinivasan, who is also owner of the India Cements-owned IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, which Dhoni leads. Dhoni is now expected to play for his employers in the BCCI Corporate Trophy.
It will be interesting to see if Dhoni, who had announced his decision to skip the Irani Trophy saying he needed a break before the Australia series, actually turns out for India Cements in the Corporate Trophy.
He has previously played the tournament for Air India and some of his former Air India teammates expressed surprised that he had moved over to India Cements, according to the Pune Mirror, which reported that the deal had been clinched "a few months back".
News of Dhoni strengthening his association with India Cements came to light when his name was included in the company's squad for the Corporate Trophy, leading to speculation that the move may come under criticism on the grounds of conflict of interest.
Dhoni, it may be remembered, was retained as captain of the Indian team after a string of Test losses when a move to remove him was reportedly vetoed by the BCCI boss. "We don't know if he will play but he is our employee and is part of the squad," a team official was quoted as saying by the paper.
If Dhoni doesn't play, then R Ashwin will lead the squad. The India Cements team will be based in Nagpur, one of the four venues for the Corporate Trophy along with Pune, Indore and Raipur.
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