As excitement builds for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, scheduled for November, fans and teams alike are keen to understand the updated rules and player retention strategies. This auction marks the return of the mega format after a two-year hiatus, and significant changes have been made to enhance competition and strategy.
Key Dates and Venue
While the exact date and venue of IPL auction have yet to be finalized, reports indicate it will take place outside India in last November. Teams are gearing up for the new rules established at the IPL governing council meeting on September 28.
Player Retention Rules
In a bid to create a more balanced and competitive league, the player retention rules have undergone several changes:
- Maximum Retentions: Each of the 10 franchises can retain a maximum of six players. This includes:
- Five Capped Players: Indian or overseas players.
- Two Uncapped Indian Players: Valued at ₹4 crore each, these must be retained from the IPL 2024 squad.
- Salary Slabs: The retained capped players will have fixed salary slabs:
- Retained Player 1: ₹18 crore
- Retained Player 2: ₹14 crore
- Retained Player 3: ₹11 crore
- Retained Player 4: ₹18 crore
- Retained Player 5: ₹14 crore
For example, if a team retains five capped players and one uncapped player, they will have ₹79 crore deducted from their auction purse of ₹120 crore.
Right to Match (RTM) Card
The RTM card system has also been revised:
- Teams that retain six players will not have an RTM card during the auction.
- Teams that do not retain any players will have six RTM cards available, allowing them to reclaim released players by matching the highest bid.
This change means a more strategic approach to retaining key players, as teams will need to weigh their retention choices carefully.
Uncapped Players Rule
A notable addition allows teams to retain former international players as uncapped players, provided they have retired or have not played international cricket in the last five years. This opens the door for some experienced players to continue their careers in the IPL.
Important Deadlines
Teams must finalize and submit their list of retained players by October 31, 2024.
Future Salary Cap and Penalties
Looking ahead:
Players bought in the auction will receive a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh for every game they play, in addition to their contracted amounts.
For the 2026 mini-auction, the salary for overseas players will be limited to the lower of either the highest retention price or the highest bid from the mega auction.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to bring thrilling changes and strategies that could reshape team dynamics. With new rules governing player retention and a focus on balancing competition, fans can expect an exciting auction that sets the stage for the next season of cricket. Stay tuned for more updates as the auction approaches.
FAQs about IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Each team can retain a maximum of six players, including five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped Indian players valued at ₹4 crore each.
The RTM card allows teams to reclaim released players by matching the highest bid during the auction. Teams retaining six players will not have an RTM card, while teams that do not retain any players will have six RTM cards.
If an overseas player purchased in the auction makes themselves unavailable for the season without a legitimate reason, they will face a two-year ban from the IPL.
Yes, from the 2025 season onwards, all players bought in the auction will receive a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh for each IPL game they play, in addition to their contracted amount.
Teams must submit their list of retained players by October 31, 2024.
