A Chennai Super Kings reunion will be held in Chennai on March 22, with the franchise inviting several of its former players, including those currently associated with other IPL teams. Among those who have confirmed participation are Muttiah Muralitharan (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Matthew Hayden (Gujarat Titans) and Dwayne Bravo (Kolkata Knight Riders).

There was an element of curiosity among the IPL teams when word got out about the planned function, leading to chatter that there, possibly, may be a major announcement. However, franchise officials were quick to clarify that it is merely a formal pre-IPL do, to mark the launch of the season.

"It is just a pre-launch for the season and an exercise in fan engagement. There is nothing more to read into it," Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan clarified to Cricbuzz, confirming that several former players - largely Indian and those who have represented the franchise over the past 16 seasons - will be present.

Around 19-20 former players are expected to attend, in addition to the current squad and support staff. In typical Chennai Super Kings style, the event is expected to be a grand affair, running from 4 pm to 9 pm at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with a segment reserved for a performance by Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman.

The franchise has reached out to other teams to check if their coaching staff can be released for a day. Muralitharan, who is currently in India for the SunRisers Hyderabad camp, has confirmed attendance. "He will be travelling to Sri Lanka tomorrow and may attend on his return," a source close to the Sri Lankan legend said. CSK and SunRisers Hyderabad were recently involved in a court case over the use of Rajinikanth songs and alleged copyright infringement.

Among others, Suresh Raina - a CSK legend popularly known as 'Chinna Thala' - has confirmed his presence, while R Ashwin, who began his career with the franchise, is unlikely to attend as he will be out of Chennai. "He will be out of town," Viswanathan said, a detail also confirmed by sources close to the player.

By the day of the event, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube - members of India's victorious T20 World Cup-winning side - will have joined the camp, which has been underway in Chennai since March 1.

The Super Kings begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away fixture against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. Their first home fixture is against Punjab Kings on April 3. CSK are among the most popular franchises of the league, having won the title five times with their talisman MS Dhoni hailed as an all-time IPL great.