The IPL governing council has announced key updates for the 2025 season, including an increased player retention limit and the return of the Right-to-Match (RTM) option. Franchises can now retain up to six players, with at least one being an uncapped Indian player. The auction purse has been raised to INR 120 crore (approximately US$ 14.33 million), a INR 20 crore increase from last year. Retaining five players will deduct INR 75 crore from the purse, while retaining six will leave INR 41 crore for the auction. Notably, Indian players retired for at least five years, such as MS Dhoni, can now be considered uncapped, allowing CSK to retain him for INR 4 crore. The Impact Player rule, allowing teams to substitute players based on match conditions, will also continue, as it has been supported by most franchises and is credited with enhancing match excitement. Finalized retention rules will be shared with franchises soon.
Maximum Retentions: IPL franchises can retain up to six players from their previous squads.
Right To Match (RTM): Teams can use an RTM card during the auction, costing Rs 75 crore from an enhanced team purse of Rs 120 crore.
The retentions can be made via direct retentions or using the Right to Match (RTM) card during the auction. Notably, the RTM card allows teams to match the highest bid for a player they had previously released ahead of the auction.
Who are uncapped players?
Indian players who haven't played international cricket for at least five years will be considered “uncapped,” allowing franchises like CSK to retain MS Dhoni.
Retention Costs: The retention cost for an uncapped player is Rs 4 crore, enabling CSK to save funds for the auction while retaining Dhoni.
Previous Retention Limits: Teams were previously allowed up to four retentions in the last mega auction held in 2022.
Match Fees: BCCI announced a fixed match fee of Rs 7.50 lakh for all players selected for league games, alongside an additional Rs 1.05 crore over their salaries.
Total Salary Cap: The total salary cap will now include auction purse, performance pay, and match fees, rising from Rs 110 crore in 2024 to Rs 157 crore by 2027.
Retention Strategy: Franchises can choose a combination of retentions and RTMs, with a maximum of five capped players (Indian & Overseas) and two uncapped players.
Retention Pricing Structure: The first retention costs Rs 18 crore, the second Rs 14 crore, the third Rs 11 crore, with the fourth and fifth costing Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore, respectively.
Financial Implications: Retaining multiple capped players can significantly reduce the auction budget for franchises.
Competitiveness: Stronger franchises favoured higher retention numbers, while others wanted fewer to enhance auction competitiveness.
Balancing the Game: BCCI introduced penalties for retaining too many star players to ensure a level playing field and foster competition.
Player Salary Clarification: Retention costs are deductions from the auction purse and may not reflect the actual salary of the player.
Advantage for Uncapped Players: An uncapped Indian player could earn Rs 42.5 lakh in a season by playing just three games, compared to Rs 24 lakh for playing ten Ranji Trophy matches.
Overseas Player Regulations: BCCI plans to impose a two-year ban on players who withdraw from the auction after being picked.
Auction Registration: Overseas players who do not register for an auction in a given year will be ineligible to participate for the following two years. (With inputs from Agencies)
Published: 29 Sept 2024, 10:06 am IST
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