Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners will convene on July 31 to discuss crucial matters ahead of the mega auction for the 2025 season.Retention and Right to Match (RTM) Options:One of the primary topics on the agenda is the number of retentions teams can make and the RTM options available. These decisions will significantly impact the composition of squads for the upcoming season.Future of the 'Impact Player' Rule:The controversial 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to field 12 players by substituting one at any point during the match, will also be under scrutiny. Despite criticism from star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the rule is reportedly likely to remain in place for the upcoming season.Stakeholder Perspectives:According to a report in Sportstar, several stakeholders, including franchises and broadcasters, believe that the 'Impact Player' rule has enhanced the tournament's intensity and competitiveness. However, players like Axar Patel have expressed concerns about its impact on their playing time.Kohli and Rohit's Objections:Kohli and Sharma have voiced their disapproval of the rule, arguing that it undermines the traditional 11-player format and reduces opportunities for all-rounders. Kohli stated, "Entertainment is one aspect of the game, but there is no balance."Impact on All-Rounders:The 'Impact Player' rule has been criticized for limiting the batting opportunities of all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube. Patel has blamed the rule for his reduced batting time in recent seasons.Conclusion:The BCCI and IPL franchise owners will engage in thorough discussions on these key issues to shape the future of the tournament. The decisions made at this meeting will have a significant impact on the strategy and performance of teams in the upcoming IPL season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its upcoming mega auction, and the league's franchise owners and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are set to meet on July 31 in Mumbai to discuss the modalities.The meeting will focus on crucial decisions regarding player retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) card. Franchise executives have been informally discussing the best possible scenarios for player retentions, with varying demands ranging from a solitary retention to a maximum of eight.The RTM card, which allows teams to match the highest bid for a released player, is also a topic of debate. A majority of franchises are in favor of reintroducing the RTM option, which was last used in 2018.Some franchises are also proposing extending the mega-auction cycle from the current three years to five years. This move is aimed at providing security to players, allowing franchises to build and market their squads effectively, and serving the interests of the BCCI.Additionally, some franchises are suggesting incremental contracts for cricketers, especially Indians, during a cycle. Currently, retained players cannot be officially paid for the next season, leading to some players taking the risk of being released and entering the auction pool for a purse correction. The franchises believe that a transparent process for renegotiating with players would benefit both parties.The IPL's mega auction is a significant event that shapes the composition of teams and the dynamics of the league. The decisions made at the upcoming meeting will have a major impact on the future of the IPL and the careers of many cricketers.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is considering significant changes to its player retention and auction policies ahead of the 2025 season. Franchises have proposed several suggestions to the IPL officials, including:* Mega Auction Frequency: Conduct mega auctions only once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. This would allow teams to build continuity and develop young players.* Player Retention: Allow teams to retain between four and six players. This would provide stability and reward teams for investing in player development.* Right-to-Match (RTM) Options: Grant each franchise eight RTM options. This would give teams the flexibility to retain key players while allowing the market to determine their value.The proposed changes aim to address several concerns raised by franchises. A longer gap between mega auctions would incentivize teams to invest in youth development, as they would have more time to reap the benefits of their investments. It would also reduce the risk of losing players to rival franchises.The RTM option would allow teams to retain players without having to pay a premium. This would remove any monetary disappointment for players who are not retained before the auction. However, some franchises have expressed concerns that the RTM option could lead to disgruntlement among players if those bought back via RTM secure higher bids.Another suggestion is to have eight RTM options and no retentions. This would create a level playing field for all teams, but it could also put the biggest players in the auction. There is also the concern that rival teams could drive up prices to disrupt auction strategy.The IPL officials will meet with the franchises to discuss these proposals further. They will also discuss the Impact Player rule, the purse for the 2025 auction, and the salary cap deduction for retained players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging victorious, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final. As the three-year cycle of the tournament comes to an end, a mega-auction looms ahead of IPL 2025, bringing significant changes to the tournament's landscape.Teams will be permitted to retain only a limited number of players, with the majority of the squad going under the hammer. However, reports indicate that IPL owners are considering minor adjustments to the retention rules. KKR owner Venky Mysore has proposed an intriguing suggestion: eliminating retentions altogether and providing teams with eight Right To Match (RTM) cards. This would allow teams to retain players at market price.The last mega-auction, held before IPL 2022, saw teams allotted a purse of Rs 90 crore and allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with a maximum of three Indian players and two overseas players. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu had previously suggested that IPL winners should receive additional retention spots, but his proposal did not gain widespread support.The upcoming mega-auction will present a unique opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters and acquire top talent. With the introduction of RTM cards, teams will have greater flexibility in retaining key players while also exploring new options in the auction. The changes to the retention rules are expected to add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the IPL 2025 season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) must prioritize acquiring skilled bowlers who can navigate the compact boundaries of their home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, according to head coach Andy Flower. This strategy is crucial for the team's success in the upcoming mega auction.Flower emphasized the need for bowlers with exceptional skills and intelligence, as mere pace will not suffice at the Chinnaswamy. He also highlighted the importance of recruiting batsmen with power-hitting capabilities to keep up with the evolving T20 landscape.RCB's struggles in the first half of the season, winning only one of seven games, were largely attributed to their bowling deficiencies. Captain Faf du Plessis acknowledged that the team lacked "as many weapons" in their bowling arsenal.Despite a remarkable six-match winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs, RCB's home record remained underwhelming, with only one victory in four games during the first half. However, they managed to turn things around, winning their last three home matches.Flower expressed concern about the impact of international commitments on T20 leagues, citing the example of Will Jacks, who was recalled by England for the T20 World Cup. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of competitions by ensuring that players are available for the playoffs and finals.Despite the absence of Jacks, Cameron Green stepped up and performed admirably in the middle order. Flower acknowledged the challenges posed by the busy cricket calendar but expressed his understanding of England's decision to recall their players.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has raised the possibility of Mumbai Indians (MI) icon Rohit Sharma leaving the franchise after their dismal performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Kumble believes that other teams may be eyeing Rohit as their captain for the upcoming season, especially with the mega auction on the horizon.Kumble's comments come after MI finished at the bottom of the points table with just 10 points, marking their worst-ever performance in the IPL. The team's struggles were evident throughout the season, with key players like Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav failing to live up to expectations.Analyzing MI's season, Kumble expressed concerns about the future of the trio. "Let's be fair. I'm sure there'd be a conversation, which is not going to be easy. Ideally, that conversation needs to happen after the World Cup. You don't know whether Rohit will remain with MI; I'm sure he would want to go out. Teams will look for captains too. Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav are leadership materials, too. Bumrah has captained India. Even if the franchises want to keep them, the ball remains with the players. It all depends on how they are going to go about," Kumble said on Jio Cinema.Rohit's departure would be a significant blow to MI, who have relied heavily on his leadership and batting prowess over the years. The 36-year-old has led MI to five IPL titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2020. However, his form has dipped in recent seasons, and his captaincy has come under scrutiny.With the mega auction approaching, several teams may be looking to acquire Rohit's services. He remains one of the most experienced and successful captains in the IPL, and his presence could boost any franchise's chances of success.