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With the IPL 2025 mega auction looming, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant change to its player retention policy. A special provision to retain uncapped players is being explored to address the rising value of these young talents in the league.
Special retention rule for uncapped IPL players
The consistent impressive performances of uncapped players in recent IPL seasons have made them indispensable assets for franchises. Teams are increasingly reluctant to let go of these players who have been nurtured within their systems. To accommodate this, the BCCI is contemplating allowing teams to retain multiple uncapped players ahead of the next mega auction.
“Every franchise could be allowed to retain two or three uncapped players under an additional slot. Franchises have invested heavily in developing these young talents and are keen to retain them,” a source close to the development was quoted as saying to TOI.
The IPL 2024 season witnessed the emergence of several uncapped stars who played a pivotal role in their teams’ success. Players like Nitish Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh showcased their abilities, making them hot properties in franchise cricket.
The BCCI is expected to finalize the retention rules, including the potential special provision for uncapped players, at a meeting with IPL franchise owners this week.
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IPL franchises eye bigger purse, more retentions
According to reports, a significant increase in the team purse, potentially up to INR 120 crore, and an expanded retention limit of six players, including Right To Match (RTM) options, are on the table of IPL Governing Council.
A senior franchise official confirmed that a purse increase is likely, suggesting a 20-25% hike would be appropriate. While there seems to be a consensus on this, the number of retentions is expected to be a more contentious issue, with franchises having varying preferences.
“I think that (increase of purse) is happening for sure. The standard increase should be anywhere between 20 to 25 percent and hence anything in the range of Rs 120 crore to 125 crore will be a fair deal. Most franchises would agree to it,” a senior official of one of the IPL franchises told PTI.
“Obviously, continuity and maintaining a core is very important going forward. May be allow six (retentions) including a couple of RTM cards with at least one uncapped player being kept in the mix. But there could be some debate over the number of overseas retentions.
“There are teams like Delhi Capitals (Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head), who would want more than one overseas retention,” the IPL source added.
