IPL 2025 Retention FAQs: Deadline, how does RTM work & can a team retain 0 players?

We are just a few hours away from the teams announcing their retentions ahead of IPL 2025 auction. Each team will have differing opinions. For a team like Kolkata Knight Riders, who are the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, it’ll be difficult to decide who to choose and who not to.

For others like the Punjab Kings or Gujarat Titans, they might be wondering whether not more than two or three players are worth considering to retain for the IPL 2025 season and see what happens at the mega auction table. Before the big day comes, let InsideSport help you answer some questions pertaining to IPL retention.

IPL 2025 Retention FAQs

• What is the IPL 2025 retention deadline?

By 5 PM on October 31, all ten franchises have to announce their retention list. 

• How many players can a team retain?

A franchise can retain a maximum of 6 players.

• How many overseas players can a team retain?

A franchise can retain upto five overseas players.

• How many Indian players can a team retain?

A franchise can retain upto five overseas players.

• How many uncapped players can a team retain?

A franchise can retain a maximum of two uncapped players.

• Difference between capped and uncapped player?

A capped player is someone who represents India in international cricket. Those who haven’t are uncapped. However, a new reintroduced role allows those players who haven’t featured for India in the last 5 years to be labelled as uncapped.

• Is it mandatory to retain an uncapped player?

No, it’s not compulsory to retain an uncapped player.

• What are the IPL 2025 retention slabs?

Retention No.1 = Rs 18 crore, Retention No. 2 = Rs 14 crore, Retention No. 3 = Rs 11 crore, Retention No. 4 = Rs 18 crore, Retention No. 5 = Rs 13 crore, Retention No. 6 = Rs 4 crore (if RTM card used)

• What is the minimum retention price for the top pick?

The top pick can’t be paid less than Rs 18 crore.

• Can a team retain 3 players for Rs 18 crore?

Yes, a franchise can pay three or even five players Rs 18 crore each.

• How does RTM work?

An RTM (Right to Match) card allows a franchise to buy back a player they had in the previous season. Previously, you could raise your card once the highest bid for a player was set, but now the team originally bidding for the player would have the opportunity to raise the price once more. If you can’t match the offer, the player will go to the original bidder, but if you match it, you’ll get your player back.

• How many RTM cards can a team use?

A franchise can use 0-6 RTM card depending on their needs.

• Can a team retain 0 players?

Yes, teams can decide to retain zero players and use RTM cards or normal bidding process to finalise their squad for IPL 2025.

• Can a player refuse to be retained?

Yes, a player can decided if they wish to stay with the franchise or not.