(Source X)
The BCCI has scheduled a meeting on July 31 with all ten IPL franchise owners to discuss plans for the upcoming mega auction. The meeting, confirmed by Sportstar, is set to address crucial aspects of the IPL 2025 auction, including player retention policies, the potential reintroduction of the Right to Match option, and the future of the Impact Player rule. The venue for the meeting, however, is yet to be determined.
BCCI invites franchise owners to discuss IPL 2025 Mega Auction plans.
Sportstar reports that IPL CEO Hemang Amin has communicated to all franchise owners about an upcoming meeting, according to sources within several IPL teams. The exact venue for this crucial discussion, however, remains undecided, although there is speculation it might be hosted at the renovated BCCI headquarters located within Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
In previous mega auctions, such as the one in 2018, teams were allowed to retain up to five players, employing a combination of direct retention and the Right to Match (RTM) option. The landscape shifted with the introduction of two new teams, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, during the 2022 mega auction. Consequently, the retention rules were revised, limiting each franchise to retaining only four players while eliminating the RTM option.
This adjustment enabled the new franchises to construct competitive squads from a broader talent pool, albeit necessitating the dismantling of established cores within the existing eight franchises. As preparations intensify for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, there is mounting advocacy among teams for the reinstatement of the RTM mechanism and an expansion of retained players, potentially up to eight per team. Such changes would afford teams greater stability and strategic flexibility.
However, the BCCI is proceeding cautiously, opting for a ‘wait and watch’ approach before finalizing the framework for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The board intends to engage in thorough consultations with franchise owners to ensure comprehensive deliberations on these critical matters.
Impact Player rule is likely to be retained for the next IPL 2025
A source in the BCCI was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “We will discuss each and every factor with the franchises and decide on the future course of action accordingly. We want a healthy discussion, and the only objective is to ensure that all franchisees get an equal opportunity.”
Apart from discussions on player retention and the Right to Match (RTM) option, the agenda for the upcoming meeting also encompasses revisiting the salary cap and deliberating on the future of the Impact Player rule, which sources suggest may continue into the next IPL season in 2025. These deliberations are pivotal as they will set the course for the IPL’s direction in the upcoming season, shaping its competitive landscape significantly.
Additionally, there will be deliberations on the proposal to shift the frequency of mega auctions from the current three-year cycle to once every five years. According to a senior official from one of the franchises, extending this interval could offer teams substantial advantages. It would provide them with greater continuity, allowing for a concentrated effort in developing and nurturing young, particularly uncapped Indian players. This potential adjustment aims to enhance team stability and long-term planning within the IPL framework.
