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In a significant development for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering allowing teams to retain five players and use one Right to Match (RTM) card. This move aims to provide franchises with more flexibility in retaining their key players and ensuring team stability.
Increased flexibility for IPL franchises
The BCCI’s decision comes in response to concerns raised by IPL team owners, who advocated for a more aggressive retention plan to mitigate the risk of brand dilution. The RTM card, last used in IPL 2018, allows franchises to match the highest bid for a player they have previously released.
The latest retention rules strikes a balance between allowing teams to retain their core players while maintaining a competitive auction market. By retaining more Indian players, franchises can prioritize homegrown talent and build a strong local core.
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Increase in salary cap and discontinuation of impact player rule
Additionally, the potential increase in the salary cap to INR 120 crore will provide teams with greater financial flexibility to acquire top-tier talent.
The controversial Impact Player Rule, introduced in IPL 2022, is set to be discontinued. This move will return the IPL to a more traditional match strategy, eliminating the element of surprise substitutions.
With the expanded retention rule, franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be able to safeguard their core group. However, teams with fewer superstars may face tough decisions in deciding which players to retain.
The IPL 2025 mega auction is likely to be held in early December, giving the franchises ample time to strategize and prepare for the reshuffling of their players. Despite the larger retention pool, franchises are expected to be aggressive in the auction, bidding for new talent and creating a dynamic bidding environment.
