IPL 2025 Auction Retention Details, Date, Ban Overseas Players, Rules for MS Dhoni, and Impact Player
The IPL 2025 Auction is set to significantly change player retention rules and auction dynamics. Here are the key updates and details for franchises and fans:
IPL 2025 Auction Format and Rules
Retention Limit: Each franchise will be allowed to retain up to six players before the auction. This includes a maximum of five capped players (can be Indian or overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped players.
Auction Purse: The overall auction purse has increased to INR 120 crore (around US $14.33 million), allowing franchises more financial flexibility for retaining players and bidding on new ones.
Right-to-Match (RTM) Card: The RTM card has been returned after being excluded from previous auctions. This card allows a franchise to buy back a player from their previous roster by matching the highest bid during the auction.
Impact Player Rule: The controversial rule will remain in effect till IPL 2027, allowing teams to substitute players based on match situations. Although met with mixed opinions, this rule has been credited with increasing scoring and excitement in matches.
Rules for Overseas Players: BCCI has introduced some strict rules regarding the backing out of overseas players once they are bought. The first rule is that, if an overseas player does not register himself for the auction he won’t be allowed for the next season. The second rule is that, once an overseas player is bought from the auction and in case he backs out will be banned for the next 2 seasons.
What are the Retention Terms and Conditions?
Franchises can retain a maximum of five capped players (Indian/Overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped players. Each uncapped player retained will be valued at INR 4 crores and this corresponding amount will be subtracted from the total purse for each team (INR 120 crores for IPL 2025). The five capped player retentions will be valued as follows.
| Direct Retention | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Deadline for retentions
By 31st October 2024 and 5 PM, franchises will have to finalize and submit the list of retained players ahead of the auction.
IPL 2025 Auction Retention Strategy
The retention costs vary based on the number of players retained. For example, retaining five players would lead to deductions totaling INR 75 crore from the auction purse.
Notably, players like MS Dhoni could be categorized as uncapped if they haven’t played international cricket for over five years, allowing teams to retain them at a lower cost.
IPL 2025 Auction Dates and Venue
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is likely scheduled for mid-November 2024 and is expected to be conducted overseas, potentially in Middle Eastern venues such as Dubai or Doha.
This auction will last two days, resembling the format of past mega auctions, allowing for extensive bidding activities.
IPL 2025 Auction Discussion Highlights from Recent Meetings
The IPL Governing Council discussed player withdrawal policies, particularly a ban on players opting out post-auction without valid reasons.
Franchise owners have shown a wish for diverse retention strategies, with preferences varying on the number of players to retain and the usage of RTM cards.
In summary, the IPL 2025 auction will feature revised retention rules, a larger auction purse, the return of the RTM option, and the ongoing impact of the Impact Player rule, all contributing to a dynamic and strategic event for franchises and their fans. For the latest updates and specifics, the cricket community is waiting to see how teams finalize their retention lists as the auction date approaches.
