The IPL Governing Council has introduced new rules for player retention and auctions, aimed at bringing fresh dynamics to the league ahead of the 2025-27 cycle. Franchises can retain up to six players through a mix of direct retentions and Right to Match (RTM) options, while new rules on player salaries and the bidding process have been introduced.
Retention Rules and Salary Slabs
Each franchise can retain up to five capped players (Indian/Overseas) and two uncapped players. Retained uncapped players will each be valued at INR 4 crores, deducted from a team’s total auction purse of INR 120 crores for IPL 2025. For capped players, retentions are valued as follows:
- Player 1: INR 18 crores
- Player 2: INR 14 crores
- Player 3: INR 11 crores
- Player 4: INR 8 crores
- Player 5: INR 6 crores
For example, if a team retains five capped players and one uncapped player, a total of INR 61 crores will be deducted, leaving INR 59 crores for auction. The number of RTMs available to a team will depend on the number of direct retentions, calculated as (6 – Number of Direct Retentions).
RTM Comes with a New Twist
The Right to Match (RTM) option is back, with a new layer added to the auction process. Previously, teams could match the highest bid to claim a player. Now, once an RTM is exercised, the highest bidder is given one last chance to increase their bid before the RTM holder secures the player. For instance, if a player is bid at INR 6 crores by Team A, and Team B uses their RTM, Team A can further increase their bid before Team B finalizes the claim.
Cap on Overseas Player Salaries in Mini-Auctions
To balance the pay structure, the maximum salary of overseas players in the 2026 mini-auction will be capped based on the highest retention price (INR 18 crores) or the highest bid in the 2025 mega auction—whichever is lower. If a player is retained for INR 18 crores and another is bid at INR 16 crores, the cap will be INR 16 crores. The additional amount over this cap will go to the BCCI for player welfare.
Additionally, all overseas players must register for the 2025 mega auction to be eligible for the mini-auction, with exemptions only for injuries or medical conditions confirmed by their home board.
Deadline for Retention List Submission
Franchises have until October 31, 2024, at 5 PM IST to submit their list of retained players. Any player who becomes capped by this date will be considered a capped player for retention purposes.
These changes are expected to add more strategy to the team-building process and ensure a balanced competition among franchises.