(Source X)
The IPL franchises convened with the BCCI on Wednesday, July 31st, in Mumbai to discuss the future direction of the tournament. Various franchises voiced their perspectives, leading to significant deliberations and even some contentious moments. The BCCI has committed to reaching a definitive decision by the end of August 2024 regarding the IPL 2025 format.
During the meeting, Delhi Capitals owner Parth Jindal and SRH owner Kavya Maran emerged as key voices. Parth Jindal advocated for the removal of the Impact Player rule, citing its adverse effects on Indian cricket. Meanwhile, Kavya Maran, the youthful owner of SRH, supported the idea of allowing teams to retain at least seven players.
In a noteworthy development, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad proposed the concept of mega auctions, emphasizing the importance of team continuity for building brands and engaging fans. Both franchises stressed the necessity of retaining match-winners. Additionally, Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, dismissed rumors of any rift with KKR’s Shahrukh Khan.
Previously, Rohit Sharma had expressed reservations about the Impact Player rule, arguing that it marginalized the role of all-rounders. This sentiment was echoed by Parth Jindal during the recent meeting of IPL stakeholders.
Delhi Capitals’ IPL owner opposes Impact Player rule.
“Some people want it because it gives a chance to young players to play in the IPL. Some people don’t want it because it is detrimental to Indian cricket in terms of the development of allrounders. So it’s a mixed bag. I’m on the second camp. I don’t want it.”
“I prefer the game as it is 11 versus 11, and I think all-rounders are very important. And you have different players who don’t bowl in the IPL or don’t bat in the IPL because of this rule, which is not good for Indian cricket” Jindal expressed his alignment with the idea of maintaining the team’s core intact.
Meanwhile, the topic of player retentions for IPL 2025 has been a focal point of discussion among franchises. Opinions vary widely, with some advocating for as few as one retention and others, like SRH co-owner Kavya Maran, supporting a minimum of seven retentions.
According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, Kavya Maran urged the BCCI not to impose restrictions on the number of overseas, capped, or uncapped Indian players a franchise could retain once the retention policy for IPL 2025 is finalized. She emphasized the importance for IPL owners to have the flexibility to retain the maximum number of players possible.
Several other franchises echoed Maran’s sentiments during the meeting, emphasizing the strategic value of continuity in player rosters and its impact on building brand value. Additionally, there was a consensus on investing in continuity for uncapped players acquired in previous auctions.
The meeting also addressed concerns surrounding mega auctions, with some players expressing reservations about their relevance and the implications of salary caps. The BCCI has previously stated its intention to reach a consensus on these issues by the end of August.
