Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has finalized significant changes to its retention rules ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Franchises will now be allowed to retain up to six players each, an increase from the previous limit of four. Additionally, the right-to-match (RTM) option has been reinstated, allowing teams to match bids for players they have released.The retention purse has also been increased to INR 120 crore (US$ 14.33 million approx.), a significant jump from last year's INR 100 crore. This provides franchises with greater flexibility in retaining their core players.Of the six players a franchise can retain, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player. The remaining five can be a mix of Indian and overseas players. Franchises have the option to retain players directly, use a combination of retention and RTM options, or solely rely on RTM.The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, will remain in place for IPL 2025. This rule has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it disrupts the flow of the game while others believe it adds an element of strategy.The retention rules will be officially communicated to the ten franchises shortly. The mega auction is expected to take place in December 2024, with the new season of the IPL commencing in March 2025.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene a crucial meeting with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners on July 30 or 31 to address several pressing issues, including player retention policies, the Right to Match (RTM) option, and the salary cap for players.The meeting, to be held at the BCCI's newly renovated office within the Wankhede Stadium premises in Mumbai, will delve into the contentious topic of player retention. Proponents of higher retention limits argue that it fosters team continuity and strengthens franchise identity, while others advocate for minimal retention to promote player movement and competition.The BCCI has been actively engaging with IPL franchises to gather feedback on these matters. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has met with franchise representatives to discuss their perspectives. The upcoming meeting will provide a platform for further deliberations and consensus-building.Another key agenda item is the RTM option, which allows franchises to retain a player who has been released by another team. The inclusion of RTM in the mega-auction has been a subject of debate, with some franchises expressing concerns about its potential impact on player acquisition strategies.The salary cap, anticipated to be around Rs 120 crore for the initial year of the forthcoming three-year cycle, will also be discussed. The retention value assigned to each player, which in the past has been approximately 16-17 percent of the salary cap, is another point of consideration.The BCCI is expected to present the formula for determining the salary of retained players and address any concerns raised by the franchises. The meeting will serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of the IPL and ensuring its continued success as one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world.