IPL Auction: New RTM Rules Raise Concerns Among Franchises

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently introduced revised retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, sparking concerns among franchises over the Right to Match (RTM) process.

The new rules grant the highest bidder an additional opportunity to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right. This has raised concerns that the RTM's purpose of determining a player's market value is being undermined.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, franchises are apprehensive about the potential for arbitrary bids by the highest bidder. The new rule allows the highest bidder to increase their bid by any amount, which the team with the RTM must then match.

"The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right," states the new rule circulated by the BCCI.

For instance, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 will be asked if they will exercise RTM. If Team 1 agrees, Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to Rs. 9 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and acquire Player X for Rs. 9 Cr. However, if Team 2 chooses not to raise the bid and keeps it at Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for Rs. 6 Cr.

Franchises argue that this new rule may discourage them from using the RTM option and push them towards more retentions. They believe that the RTM's aim is to determine a player's market value, but the new rule makes them match potentially arbitrary bids.

Some franchises have formally written to the BCCI expressing their concerns, while others have discussed them with BCCI officials. Critics also suggest that the new rule may counteract the BCCI's goal to attract star players to the auction.

Tags: #IPL, #RTM, #BCCI, #Cricket, #PlayerRetention