The retention rules may not be out yet but the buzz over IPL 2025 Auction is already here. Instead of the usual December window, BCCI is planning to complete the IPL Auction formalities by the November end. In addition, after a successful stint overseas, BCCI will continue to woo Middle-east fans with the auction set to take place in either Dubai, Doha or Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the plan was to have the auction in December end. But the plans seem to have changed even as the franchises wait for the IPL retention rules. As per a Cricbuzz report, the auction could happen in the third or fourth weekend of November (Nov 16-17 or Nov 23-24). While a final decision is expected at the end of this month (September), BCCI has already indicated to the franchises that the auction will be held overseas.
No clarity over IPL retention rules
However, even as the BCCI is planning the two-day mega auction in November, with two months left, the franchises are still in the dark over the IPL retention rules.
BCCI has not yet communicated to the franchises on the retention or auction rules ahead of IPL 2025 Auction. The Indian board could make a formal announcement on the sidelines of the BCCI AGM in Bengaluru on Sep 29. However, there could be a delay too. If the auction does take place in November end, the formalities of the retention announcement could be complete by the first week of November instead of Nov 15.
“We have only heard from the BCCI that it will be delayed. We still don’t know about the number of retentions, the number of RTMs, or anything else regarding the IPL auction. There is no clarity on when exactly the auction will be,” a franchise official told InsideSport last week.
Questions before IPL 2025 Auction
- How many retentions?
- Will there be RTM?
- Status of Impact Player rule
- When is the IPL 2025 Auction?
- What is the rule for retired players?
The number of player retentions has been a contentious issue ahead of IPL 2025 Auction. Even though some franchises want the number to be as high as 8, BCCI does not endorse the idea. Instead, the number of retentions could be a maximum of 5. In that case, the Right to Match the final bid price or RTM will return. The number of RTMs will also need clarity.
Among others, the IPL Governing Council must also decide on the retired players. The BCCI is mulling categorising retired players as uncapped ones. In that case, the franchises could retain the likes of MS Dhoni or Shikhar Dhawan (if he plays IPL 2025).
