Propose to maiden on return, clutching ring (4)
I believe the answer is:
moot
'propose' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to maiden on return clutching ring' is the wordplay.
'maiden' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'on return' is a reversal indicator.
'clutching' indicates putting letters inside.
'ring' becomes 'o' (letter resembling a ring).
'to'+'m'='tom'
'tom' in reverse letter order is 'mot'.
'mot' going around 'o' is 'MOOT'.
(Other definitions for moot that I've seen before include "raise for discussion" , "Such a point is arguable" , "Open to argument or debate" , "Propose for discussion" , "Such a point is disputable" .)