The Punjab Kings (PBKS) CEO, Satish Menon, has commended the BCCI for implementing the flexible retention rules ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Following the recent IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting, the new policies have provided franchises with options like retaining a maximum of six players, using Right to Match (RTM) cards, and adhering to salary caps for overseas players. Menon appreciated the rules, stating that they have been designed with the franchises’ needs in mind.

“BCCI Has Given Preference to All Franchises,” Says PBKS CEO
In an interview with Star Sports, Menon expressed satisfaction with the retention options. “It’s great. BCCI has given all franchises options. If a franchise wants to retain six players, they can. There is also RTM, so if a franchise wants to release a player and then reclaim them from the auction, they can do that as well. BCCI has given preference to all franchises,” he said.

Since joining as PBKS CEO in 2017, Menon has overseen many changes within the franchise. He emphasized that the flexibility in retention rules will allow teams to strategically plan their squads for the upcoming seasons. Franchises are allowed to retain up to six players but can also opt to retain fewer players and gain additional RTM cards.

PBKS Likely Retentions for IPL 2025
The potential retentions for PBKS are Shashank Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, and Kagiso Rabada. The new retention rules allow for flexibility in deciding which core players to secure before entering the auction.

Retention and RTM Rules Explained
Franchises can retain up to six players, and the retention values are as follows:

• 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
• Uncapped Player: INR 4 crores

The number of RTM cards available to each franchise will be calculated as 6 minus the number of retentions. For instance, a team that retains four players will have two RTM cards for the auction. This structure allows franchises to balance their budgets while planning for strong team line-ups.

The new rules have given franchises the ability to make tactical decisions and retain their key players, all while staying within the budget constraints set by the BCCI for the IPL 2025 season.