Cricket

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Key Questions AnsweredWith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaching, franchises are gearing up for the mega auction. Before the retention deadline of October 31, 5pm IST, teams must finalize their list of retained players. Here are some key questions answered:Retention Limit and Cost:Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players from their 2024 squads, including five capped players (international cricketers) and two uncapped Indians. The retention costs are as follows:* First player: ₹18 crore* Second player: ₹14 crore* Third player: ₹11 crore* Fourth player: ₹18 crore* Fifth player: ₹14 crore* Uncapped Indian player: ₹4 croreRetention Pool Distribution:Franchises have a purse of ₹120 crore to build their teams. The ₹75 crore retention pool can be distributed among the five capped players as deemed fit. However, if the total retention cost exceeds ₹75 crore, the excess amount will be deducted from the overall purse.Right to Match (RTM) Card:Teams that retain less than six players will have RTM options to buy back players at the mega auction. Each RTM card allows a franchise to match the highest bid for a player they previously had. However, a new rule allows the bidding team to increase their offer after the RTM is used.Uncapped Player Definition:The IPL has revived a rule that allows capped Indian players who have retired or not played international cricket in the last five years to be categorized as uncapped players. This means teams can retain players like MS Dhoni as uncapped players at a cost of ₹4 crore.Player Refusal:Players have the right to refuse retention offers and enter the mega auction. Unlike the mini-auction, there are no player trades allowed between the retention deadline and the start of the 2025 season.Mega Auction Details:The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to take place in the last week of November. It will be a two-day event where teams will bid for players who are not retained or released by their previous franchises.

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.