What is the difference between IPL mega and mini auction?

With IPL Mega Auction 2025, sounds can be heard from many as the auction rules are here with many changes, from retention numbers to reintroducing interesting rules. Everything has grabbed attention, as the expectations are really high for this IPL Mega Auction since many big names are expected to go under the hammer, which is surely going to create hype. While the mega auction is the big thing and important, what about the mini auction? Do you know what the main differences are between the Mini and Mega Auctions? See all three major difference, which are enough to give a good idea about the differences between these two.

Difference between IPL mini and mega auction

IPL trade window

Now, speaking about the first point, a difference is the trade window. There have been many rumors about the trade window being available for the Mega Auction 2025, but this is not correct. The trade window is only available around the Mini Auction, which opens a month after the end of the IPL edition and remains open until a week before the IPL Mini Auction. The window also reopens after the auction and ends a month before the start of the new season. This means the fuss created about this trade window is all wrong since there is no trade window in the IPL Mega Auction.

RTM Card

Also, the Right to Match (RTM) card is not available in the Mini Auction. The RTM card is typically used during the mega auction, which allows teams to retain players at the auction that they previously released by matching the highest bid made for that player. Although this time, the RTM rule has been tweaked a bit. In the mini-auction, teams do not have the option to use RTM cards.

IPL retention rules

Now, one of the key differences is the retention structure as well. In the Mega Auction, teams can retain a limited number of players before the auction, but they do have an RTM option at the auction table. For example, in the upcoming Mega Auction, teams can retain up to six players, with the 5+1 policy in place. On the other hand, there is no restriction on the number of players a franchise can retain before the mini auction. However, the rules can sometimes be tweaked in this auction as well. But since franchises have fewer places to fill, players at this mini auction go for higher rates, while in the mega auction, things are a little different.

IPL 2025 mega auction

Now, speaking about IPL 2025, as mentioned, there are many changes that have come, which are really interesting. The 5+1 retention structure is going to make the team stronger when it comes to retentions. Also, the auction purse for each IPL team has been increased to Rs 120 crore from Rs 100 crore. See all the important changes we are going to witness this time.

Teams can retain up to 6 players using either retention or the Right to Match card.
Maximum of 5 capped players (either Indian or overseas) may be retained.
Up to 2 uncapped players can be retained.
Indian players who have not participated in international cricket or not in central contract in the past five years will be classified as uncapped.