• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 05/31/2024
• 0 Comments

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gears up for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, discussions about player retention rules have become a focal point. Though no formal decision has been made, the BCCI is reportedly inclined to retain the existing ‘3+1’ rule, which allows franchises to retain three players and secure one additional player via the ‘Right To Match’ (RTM) card.

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According to a report on News18 Cricketnext, there is substantial support for the current rule. Some franchises do not favour increasing the number of retentions and RTMs. A senior BCCI official highlighted that only a few franchises can retain six to eight players, and increasing the retentions would undermine the auction process, which is considered integral to the IPL’s unique charm.

“Increasing retentions to six or eight and then also having RTMs will make auctions a useless exercise. Auctions have added to the beauty of the IPL, and giving them lesser importance will not help in keeping the league in good health,” a veteran team official said, as quoted by CricketNext.

Franchises Divided on New Retention Rule Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The debate over the number of retentions has led to a split among franchises. Some believe that too much player movement prevents teams from building a loyal fan base. Notably, only a few players, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, and Kieron Pollard, have represented a single franchise throughout their IPL careers.

Addressing these concerns would require significant changes to the existing auction system, potentially moving towards a draft system or a transfer window. “Yes, that’s a concern for a lot of teams, but we can’t compare fan bases in IPL to those of EPL clubs. It’s still too early for that to happen in the IPL. That is why it has happened to only a handful of teams in the IPL. It will take time. And if there is desperation to make that happen, get rid of the auction and introduce a draft. Let there be a transfer system. Again, auctions bring a flavour to the IPL,” the official added.

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Venky Mysore, CEO of the Kolkata Knight Riders, suggested an innovative approach: allowing each franchise to have eight RTM cards. This would give players auction value and allow franchises to buy them back, balancing player retention with auction dynamics.

The BCCI is expected to decide on key issues, including player retention and the future of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, after the T20 World Cup. As the IPL continues to evolve, the BCCI aims to maintain a balance that preserves the league’s excitement while addressing the strategic needs of the franchises.