How Will Players Benefit From New RTM Rule For 2025 IPL Mega Auction?
IPL trophy (Source:@OneCricketApp/X.com)
BCCI has finally released the rules for the mega auction for IPL 2025, and there is a flurry of big changes, with franchises allowed to have six retentions. They can retain players through the traditional method before auction or can use the Right to Match (RTM) card during the auction. The return of RTM, which was discarded before the 2022 mega auction, has added an extra spice to the auction, and BCCI have also introduced an interesting twist in the rule, which is expected to help players in the upcoming mega auction.
The previous RTM rule provided an option for a franchise to buy back a player who played for them in the previous edition by matching the highest bid for a player in the auction once the bidding is over. However, players have generally not preferred the RTM option because of a perception that it reduces their chances of getting a higher price.
To address this issue, BCCI has provided one extra opportunity to the highest bidder for a particular player in the auction before the team holding the RTM card can buy back that player. If the bidder increases the price, then the team with the RTM card would have the option of buying that player only at an inflated price. So, it would eventually help the players gain more money. However, if the highest bidder decides against increasing the price, then the team with RTM card can buy that player at the price where first the bidding was stopped.
How The New RTM Rule Will Work?
For example, if Rajasthan Royals release Sanju Samson, and in the mega auction, RCB emerge as the highest bidder with a price of 14 Crore. Rajasthan Royals will then be asked whether they would like to use the RTM card. If they agree to use the RTM option, then RCB will be allowed to increase the price if they want, and if they increase it to 16 Crore, RR can only buy Sanju Samson at that price. However, RR can use the RTM card and buy Sanju Samson for 14 Crore if RCB doesn't increase the price.
Overall, the new rule will help maximise the full potential of players in the auction and has addressed the concerns of players that led to the rule's non-continuation after the 2021 auction.