Disgruntled Franchises Seeks BCCI's Help Over Unfair RTM Clause For IPL 2025 Mega Auction
IPL 2025 mega auction lands in controversy over unfair RTM rules (@IPL/X.com)
In an interesting development, as revealed by Cricbuzz, several IPL franchises have raised concerns over the additional advantages granted to the highest bidder in the application of the RTM card. The franchises argue that this new rule undermines the essence and logic of RTM, which is meant to establish a player's market value.
The IPL governing council released a series of new retention and RTM rules for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The maximum retention limit, including Right to Match (RTM) cards, was set to 6.
However, under the revised RTM rule, the highest bidder in the auction will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid before the team holding the RTM card can exercise its right. The increase can be of any value, and the team with RTM must then match the newly raised bid to secure the player.
For example, suppose RCB bids INR 9 Cr for Ishan Kishan and MI uses the RTM card. Here, RCB can increase the bid to suppose INR 11 Cr and MI will have to retain Ishan Kishan for 11 cr.
IPL franchises unhappy with RTM's new clause
However, the revised clause hasn't been approved by many franchises. They argue that allowing the highest bidder to raise the bid diminishes the value of the incremental bids during the auction.
Instead of a straightforward process where the RTM determines market value, the current rule gives an undue advantage to the highest bidder, potentially inflating the final cost of retaining players.
Critics also argue that this approach conflicts with the BCCI's broader objective of encouraging more star players to participate in the auction.
Hence, some disgruntled franchises have formally written to the BCCI, while others are discussing the issue with officials, seeking reconsideration of this new clause.
IPL allows retired Indian players in the uncapped category
In another notable development, the IPL governing council has allowed Indian players who last featured in an international game five years ago will be allowed to be retained in the uncapped category. The rule is meant to facilitate MS Dhoni, who is keen to return to CSK at the age of 43.