The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce revised player retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, with reports suggesting the auction may be held outside India in November. The changes come as IPL teams push for a more stable core of players, with significant shifts in retention policies expected.
New Retention Rules: 5 Players but No RTM
According to a report by the Indian Express, IPL franchises may be allowed to retain up to five players in the upcoming auction, a change from previous seasons. However, the Right to Match (RTM) option—allowing teams to match the highest bid on their former players—will reportedly be scrapped. This shift is expected to benefit teams like Mumbai Indians, who have a star-studded lineup and would likely retain key players such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
However, there is no confirmation yet on whether franchises will be able to retain more than two overseas players. Additionally, the retention cost for each player is still under discussion.
Mumbai Indians and Other Teams Eye Key Retentions
Mumbai Indians, known for maintaining a consistent core, are expected to retain several key players, even after a less-than-stellar performance this season under Hardik Pandya’s leadership. Franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals are also keen to retain their star players, ensuring stability in their squads.
KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly suggested delaying the auction to give teams more time to solidify their core players. Many teams are in favor of this delay, as it would reduce the need for frequent reshuffles, which typically occur every four to five years.
Auction Likely Outside India in November
The much-anticipated IPL mega auction is rumored to take place outside India for the first time, potentially in November. This marks a departure from tradition as the league continues to expand its global footprint. The last major auctions were held in 2018 and 2022, and the upcoming auction is expected to reshape the landscape of the IPL once again.
CSK Denies Dhoni ‘Uncapped Player’ Rumors
There have been rumors that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) requested to retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied these claims. If the ‘uncapped player rule,’ which was discontinued in 2021, is reinstated, it could open the door for Dhoni to continue donning the yellow jersey for another IPL season. For now, though, there is no official confirmation on this front.
Owners Discuss Player Retention at BCCI Meeting
In a recent meeting at the BCCI headquarters, owners of all 10 IPL teams discussed the future of player retention. Most owners are in favor of retaining 5-6 players, citing the importance of maintaining team continuity and brand value. The BCCI, however, aims to strike a balance between this continuity and ensuring a fair and competitive auction.
As teams prepare for the upcoming auction, these new retention rules and strategies are sure to create plenty of buzz, with fans eager to see how their favorite franchises will approach the new season.
