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IPL Goes Big For Its Mega Auction: 6 Retentions, RTM Returns and More

Avatar of Mohd Faisal HakakBy Mohd Faisal Hakak
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The IPL Governing Council has unveiled several significant decisions ahead of the much-anticipated mega-auction for the 2025 edition of the tournament. These decisions include the confirmation of player retention rules, setting the stage for one of the most exciting auctions in IPL history. As teams prepare their strategies, the newly announced regulations will play a crucial role in shaping squad formations for the upcoming seasons.

Let us take a look at some of the rules of the IPL Auction 2025

Reintroduction of Right to Match (RTM)

The RTM will be reintroduced for the upcoming 2035 auction. Each franchise can retain up to six players, using a combination of retentions and the RTM option. “The choice of how to structure these retentions and RTMs is at the discretion of each franchise,” the IPL stated. The six selections may include a maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas) and no more than two uncapped Indian players.

According to the new guidelines, the first three retained players will result in the auction purse, set at INR 120 crore for each team, being reduced by INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore, and INR 11 crore, respectively. However, retaining additional players will come at a higher cost, with the fourth and fifth retentions deducting INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore from the purse, respectively.

Retention Slabs for IPL 2025

For the first three retentions, the deductions will be INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore, and INR 11 crore. For the fourth and fifth retentions, the reductions will be INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore, respectively.

Uncapped players retain the same value as the 2021 mega auction, with INR 4 crore being deducted for each uncapped retention. Thus, if a franchise retains five capped players and one uncapped player, INR 79 crore will be deducted from their total purse of INR 120 crore, leaving them with INR 41 crore for the auction. Alternatively, if a team retains four capped players and two uncapped players, INR 69 crore will be deducted from their purse.

RTM Card – Advantage to the final bidder

Players have generally expressed concerns about the Right to Match (RTM) option, feeling it may undermine their market value and prevent them from receiving a fair price during the auction process.  However, the rule is set to undergo changes from the next auction.

 “The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right. For example, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of INR 6 crore, then Team 1 will be first asked if they will exercise RTM, if Team 1 agrees, then Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to INR 9 crore, then Team 1 can use the RTM and acquire Player X for INR 9 crore. If Team 2 chooses not to raise the bid and keeps it at INR 6 crore, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for INR 6 crore.” the new rule reads.

Impact Player rule set to continue

Despite dividing opinions of franchises and concerns voiced by big players like Rohit Sharma about its potential adverse effects on the growth of all-rounders, the IPL has opted to maintain the Impact Player rule for an additional three seasons, extending it through 2027. This decision reflects the league’s commitment to adapting and evolving its format, even in the face of dissenting opinions from within the cricket community.

Significantly, nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been recorded since the introduction of the Impact Player rule, which enables teams to substitute a player from the starting eleven for a specialist batter or bowler depending on the match scenario. The IPL believes that this rule has enriched the overall experience, generating thrilling moments that engage fans and enhance the excitement of the games.

Understanding Uncapped Players in the IPL 2025 Auction

A player is classified as uncapped if they have yet to make their debut for their national team. However, this season, the definition has been expanded to include Indian players who have not been part of the playing XI in any international format or held a BCCI central contract in the last five years.

This change aims to broaden the pool of players available for selection in the IPL, allowing franchises to explore fresh talent that may have previously gone unnoticed. For more information on player classifications, you can refer to the IPL’s official announcements and updates.

Injury Replacements and Player Loans

Until IPL 2024, franchises had to find a replacement for an injured player before their seventh match of the season. However, starting in IPL 2025, teams will now be able to seek replacements until after their twelfth match in the league phase. Additionally, the IPL has opted to “reinstate” the player loan process, which can only be activated during the ongoing season.

New rules for overseas players

Any overseas player who fails to register for the Mega Auction will be deemed ineligible for the following year’s auction. Additionally, if a player withdraws after being selected, they will face a ban for two IPL seasons. This policy aims to maintain the integrity of the auction process and ensure commitment from players.

Mohd Faisal Hakak

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.

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Mohd Faisal Hakak 649 posts 0 comments

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.

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