The IPL 2025 mega auction is the next major development in the cricket arena, and it is already generating a lot of hype due to various news, such as star player transfer rumors, coaching changes, and other speculations. Amid all the hustle and bustle, the BCCI is set to meet with all the IPL team owners on the 31st to discuss various potential points before the mega auction, which could take place in December 2024 or February 2025.
The last mega auction occurred in 2022, making this upcoming event highly anticipated. As already mentioned, various IPL speculations are currently trending, that are directly related to this mega auction. Before that, this meeting is of great importance and magnitude, as the anticipation among cricket viewers is high. Let’s take a look at a few key points expected to be discussed in this meeting.
IPL Retention Policy
In recent weeks, the IPL retention policy has taken center stage, as many franchises want to discuss the number of retentions allowed. According to the current IPL retention rules, a franchise can retain a maximum of three Indian players and two overseas players before the auction. Reports indicate that they want to increase this number to eight. Also, some reports suggest that they want the Right to Match (RTM) option, similar to what was available in 2018.
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What is RTM in IPL
Last used in 2018, the Right to Match (RTM) is a rule in the IPL that allows a team to retain a player they had previously released by matching the highest bid made for that player by another team. As, it gives the original team the opportunity to equal the final bid and retain the player for that amount.
For example, if Rishabh Pant is not retained by the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2025 and goes to the mega auction, and if Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bids 10 crore for him, MI would hold the right to match CSK’s bid of INR 10 crore, should they choose to exercise it.
Since it has not been used after 2018, the franchises want its reintroduction.
Duration of IPL mega auction cycle
Franchises might also discuss the tenure of the mega auction, which currently happens every three years. Some reports suggest they want to extend this to every five years to maintain stability among the teams. Apart from this, there may be some discussion around the impact rule, although it is not yet confirmed whether it will stay or not. This rule has been under scrutiny during IPL 2024.
Also, according to a few media reports, franchises are in talks to introduce incremental contracts, as the current scenario does not allow retained players to be officially paid for the next season. As a result, various players have chosen to enter the auction. And to ensure transparency and clarity we may see some conclusion to this discussion as well.
