(Source X)
The Mumbai meeting between BCCI and IPL owners focused on the upcoming auction and concluded on Wednesday.
Among the topics discussed, Player Retentions sparked division within the group. Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of KKR, advocated for increased retentions, whereas Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings, stood in opposition, advocating for the continuation of regular mega auctions.
According to reliable sources, the two co-owners engaged in a passionate debate during the meeting between Indian Premier League franchise owners and top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in Mumbai on Wednesday. Following the meeting, as he exited the venue, Wadia spoke to reporters, denying any altercation with SRK during the lengthy discussion that spanned over two hours.
“Not true. We are all in it together. Just like you guys. After you finish this, you will go for a quick bite. So not true at all,” Wadia told reporters.
The divergent perspectives of KKR and PBKS stemmed from their contrasting performances last season. KKR, having clinched the title with a stable lineup, held one view, while PBKS, struggling with team combinations and finishing ninth with only 5 wins from 14 games, held another. Understandably, the co-owners of both teams harbored different opinions.
All franchises were represented by their owners at the meeting, with Mumbai Indians participating virtually. The focal point of discussion remained the upcoming mega auction.
The auction purse, currently set at Rs 100 crore per team, emerged as a pivotal agenda item. There is significant speculation about a possible increase in this amount, which could lead to shifts in both player acquisition strategies and franchise owner tactics.
