IPL 2025 mega auction EXPLAINED: New retention rules, RTM cards, auction purse & ban on players

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction dynamics is not everyone’s cup of tea. While some just want to enjoy the thrill of the 20-over affair, the true nerds like to go into the deep ocean of the auction field. And after the IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting on Saturday, the ocean field has gone ever-so deeper. On Saturday night, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced major changes ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and overarching amendments from the likes of RTM cards, salary cap, ban on certain players, and a return of a scrapped ‘uncapped’ rule. On that note, we have prepared a full explainer of the IPL 2025 retention rules and changes.

#1 How many IPL retentions possible & at what rate?

Retention Rules:

Maximum retentions: Teams can retain a maximum of 6 players from their existing rosters.

Capped and uncapped players: A maximum of 5 capped players (Indian/Overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players can be retained. However, teams can use RTM cards as well. It will be up to them how they want to use their Retention + RTM cards combo. For example, if a team wants to retain just 3 players, then they will be entering the IPL auction with 3 RTM cards as well. We have explained more about it below.

• Retention values/Slabs
• Retained Player 1: INR 18 crores
• Retained Player 2: INR 14 crores
• Retained Player 3: INR 11 crores
• Retained Player 4: INR 18 crores
• Retained Player 5: INR 14 crores
• Uncapped Player: INR 4 crores

Note: The above-mentioned prices are the minimum a team can spend on a retained player. For example, if RCB wants Virat Kohli as their 1st retention pick, they can give him more than INR 18 crores as well. Similarly, the retention value of an uncapped player (originally INR 4 crore) can also be raised. It is up to the franchise, to put it simply.

#2 Auction Purse for Franchises

For each retained player, the corresponding value will be deducted from the team’s total purse which is INR 120 crores for IPL 2025. Last year, the purse value was INR 100 crore. However, the total salary cap (Auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees) for IPL 2025 is INR 146 crore. The total salary cap for IPL 2026 and IPL 2027 will be INR 151 crore & INR 157 crore, respectively.

#3 RTMs (Right-to-Match Card)

RTM is an option for a franchise to acquire a player’s services or get that player back during the auction by matching the highest bid made for the player by another franchise.

RTMs: Teams can use the RTM (Right To Match) card for players not directly retained initially. The number of RTM cards for franchises will depend upon the number of retentions picked by them. Number of RTM cards = 6 – No. of Retentions.

Retention Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Team retains 6 players (5 capped + 1 uncapped):
  • Deduction: INR 79 crores (18+14+11+18+14+4)
  • Auction purse: INR 41 crores (120-79)
  • No RTMs. (Because 6 retentions)
• Scenario 2: Team retains 5 players (4 capped + 1 uncapped):
  • Deduction: INR 65 crores
  • Auction purse: INR 55 crores
  • One RTM.

#4 Massive change in RTM Rule!

• How RTM previously worked: A team could use an RTM Card to match the highest bid for a player they previously had at an auction.
• New twist in RTM: Going forward from the IPL 2025 auction, the highest bidder (at auction) will be given one final opportunity to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM can exercise their right.

New RTM scenario

We have explained the new RTM Card option usage below:

Scenario: For example, if Washington Sundar’s name comes up in the auction, and Delhi Capitals’ bid of INR 7 crore remains the highest, SRH will be asked if they want to use the RTM option. In case SRH agrees and uses their RTM card, DC will have a final chance to raise the amount of INR 7 crore to anything. Let’s say if they raise it to INR 10 crore, then SRH will have the final call to make to take Sundar at INR 10 crore, using the RTM card.

More on IPL 2025

#5 New ‘Uncapped Rule’

An Indian player will be considered uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket (Test, ODI, T20I) or did not have a Central Contract with BCCI in the last five calendar years preceding the IPL season.

This rule change allows players like MS Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, to be considered uncapped players for retention or selection purposes. This also means CSK has a golden chance to retain MS Dhoni for just INR 4 crore!

#6 Overseas player regulations and salary caps!

• Mandatory Mega Auction Registration: Overseas players must register for the mega auction (2025) to participate in subsequent mini-auctions.
• Exceptions: Injuries or medical conditions confirmed by the home board may exempt players from this requirement.
• Salary Cap for Overseas Players: There will be a salary cap for overseas players in mini-auctions.

How does the overseas salary cap work?

• Salary Cap Calculation: The maximum salary for an overseas player will be determined by the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crores) or the highest auction price at the mega auction.
• Example: If Virat Kohli is retained for INR 18 crores and Shreyas Iyer is auctioned for INR 16 crores, the maximum overseas player salary in the next mini-auction will be INR 16 crores.
• Excess Amount: Any amount bid above the salary cap will go to the BCCI for players’ welfare but will be deducted from the IPL franchise’s purse.

#7 Ban on IPL players?

Rule: Any player who registers for the auction, is selected, and then withdraws before the season starts will be banned from the league and auction for two seasons.

This rule was introduced after discussion among IPL owners, as many franchises have been negatively impacted by late withdrawals from overseas players.

#8 Deadline for retentions:

• Franchises have until 5 PM IST on October 31, 2024, to submit their list of retained players. Players capped on or before October 31, 2024, will be considered capped players for retention purposes.