IPL 2025 Mega Auction: No Restrictions On Indians And Foreign Players' Retentions
The IPL trophy [Source: IPLT20.com]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will likely lift all rules over the restriction on retaining the number of Indian and overseas players. As per a major update, the franchises can retain as many Indians or overseas cricketers from their five retention choices.
Moreover, teams will also be allowed to utilize one right-to-match card at the auction.
BCCI to revamp major retention rule before auction?
In a stunning revelation, franchises will be allowed to pick their retained players without any restrictions over the number of Indian and overseas cricketers. Out of their five retention options, the teams can select their retentions in any manner, regardless of the player’s nationality.
Interestingly, earlier reports claimed that while franchises will be allowed to make five retentions, they were allowed to retain no more than three Indian players and two overseas cricketers.
Furthermore, IPL 2025 franchises will also be able to utilize one right-to-match (RTM) card. However, a franchise can use RTMs for three players if it decides to retain only three cricketers.
The franchise purse has also reportedly increased to Rs. 120 crores for the mega auction. If the aforementioned report becomes a reality, each franchise will be allowed to shell out around Rs.25-30 crores more than their spending from last year.
However, the BCCI is yet to make any official announcement over RTM cards and player retention policies as of September 28.
In other news concerning the IPL 2025, BCCI veteran Jay Shah recently announced that players will be able to earn Rs.7.5 lakh for playing one IPL match. Taking to X, the soon-to-be ICC Chairman wrote:
“In a historic move to celebrate consistency and champion outstanding performances in the #IPL, we are thrilled to introduce a match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game for our cricketers!”
Five retentions to cost Rs. 75 crores?
As per a report from Cricbuzz, if a franchise uses up all five retentions, they might have to spend Rs. 75 crores from their total purse for the auction. Here's the breakdown of the retention rates:
Retention | Price |
---|---|
1st retention | Rs. 18 crore |
2nd retention | Rs. 14 crore |
3rd retention | Rs. 11 crore |
4th retention | Rs. 18 crore |
5th retention | Rs. 14 crore |
TOTAL | Rs. 75 crore |
The IPL 2025 mega auction will likely be organized in late-November or early-December later this year. The BCCI is expected to make some major announcements regarding the bidding event in the coming weeks.