Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation surrounding the retention policy is palpable. The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has yet to announce the official guidelines, leaving franchises and fans eagerly awaiting details.One of the key questions is the number of retentions allowed per franchise. In previous seasons, teams were permitted to retain a maximum of three players, but there are speculations that this number could be increased to four or even five. This would give franchises greater flexibility in building their squads.Another crucial aspect is the maximum number of overseas players that can be retained. Currently, teams are allowed to retain a maximum of two overseas stars. However, there are suggestions that this limit could be raised to three or four, allowing franchises to bolster their international contingent.The BCCI was expected to unveil the retention policy by the end of August, but it is now likely to be delayed further. Cricbuzz reports that franchises may be given until November 15 to finalize their picks.One of the most talked-about topics regarding the retention policy is the potential reintroduction of a rule that would allow retired players to be classified as "uncapped." This means they could be retained at a lower price.Earlier in the IPL, international players who had retired for five years were eligible for the "uncapped" category. However, this rule was abolished after IPL 2021. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering bringing it back, which would benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain, MS Dhoni.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied reports that the franchise requested the BCCI to reinstate the "uncapped" rule for Dhoni. However, the latest reports indicate that the BCCI itself is contemplating such a move.The reintroduction of the "uncapped" category would not only benefit Dhoni and CSK but also the league as a whole. It would allow franchises to retain experienced players at a lower cost, creating a more balanced and competitive environment.

The future of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the league prepares for a mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the start of the 2024 season, has not yet confirmed his plans to continue playing.According to reports, Dhoni's continuity in the league as a player depends on the retention policy set by the IPL management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a mega auction scheduled, there is speculation that the BCCI may allow franchises to retain a limited number of players.If the BCCI allows the retention of only 3-4 players per franchise, it is unlikely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK. However, if the retention limit is increased to 5-6 players, Dhoni's experience and leadership could make him a valuable asset for the franchise.Currently, CSK's most likely retention candidates include skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and all-rounder Shivam Dube. The order of retention could vary depending on the team's priorities.The IPL bosses have reportedly invited franchise owners for a meeting on July 31 to discuss the retention matter. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has sent text messages to the owners, indicating that the meeting will likely take place in the late afternoon or evening at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.Sources suggest that the BCCI may allow the retention of 5-6 players per franchise, which could open the door for Dhoni's continued involvement in the IPL. However, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the meeting between the IPL management and the franchise owners.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively engaged in discussions with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to finalize the retention policy for the upcoming mega auction. The board aims to conclude the process by the end of July.The retention policy is a crucial aspect of the IPL, as it determines the number of players that franchises can retain from their existing squads. In the 2021 IPL auction, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of four players. However, there are varying opinions among franchises regarding the ideal number of retentions.Some franchises have expressed a preference for retaining 5-7 players, while others have suggested allowing up to 8 retentions. Conversely, a few franchises have proposed eliminating the retention system altogether.The BCCI has also sought feedback from franchises on the salary cap for the next three years. The current salary cap is set at Rs 100 crore, but there is a possibility of increasing it by Rs 20 crore for the upcoming auction.Another topic on the agenda is the use of Right To Match (RTM) cards. In the 2021 auction, RTM cards were not utilized. The BCCI has asked franchises for their views on whether to reinstate the RTM system.The meeting between the BCCI and franchise CEOs is expected to take place by the end of July, as some CEOs are currently unavailable. The board is keen on finalizing the retention policy and other key aspects of the IPL auction in a timely manner.