(Source X)
During the recent IPL owners’ meeting with the BCCI on July 31 in Mumbai to strategize for IPL 2025, Kavya Maran, owner of SRH, put forward significant suggestions, notably referencing Abhishek Sharma. The session, attended by all 10 franchise owners, saw the Ambanis of Mumbai Indians participating via video conference. Key agenda items included debating the Impact Player rule and retention numbers, with KKR and SRH notably voicing opposition to a mega auction.
“It takes a lot of time to build a squad and as discussed it also takes quite a bit of time and investment for the younger players to mature. It has taken Abhishek Sharma three years to become consistent with his performances. You would agree that there are many such examples in other teams too” clarifying her take on mega auction.
The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad advocated strongly for the annual mini-auctions preceding the IPL, emphasizing their effectiveness. With both KKR and SRH pushing for retaining their core team after reaching the final, Maran’s stance was clearly justified.
In her proposals to the BCCI, she has urged for a minimum of seven retentions or Right to Match (RTM) options for IPL franchises ahead of the mega auction. Additionally, she has recommended that the BCCI consider banning foreign players who register for the auction but subsequently fail to participate in the league.
Kavya Maran remains steadfast on RTMs and player retention.
She emphasized the need for franchises to have a minimum of seven retentions or an equivalent number of RTM (Right To Match) options.
“We can use it as four retentions and two RTMS, or all six retentions, or all six RTMS, and so on. The choice on whether retention or RTM is used should be with the franchise based on discussions with the player” she said in the meeting.
“There have been numerous instances in the past where a player has preferred to go to the auction when he has felt that the retention amount is on the lower side. There have also been instances where multiple players have felt that they should be the first retention, and if not retained as first, they have asked to be put in the auction instead. To avoid this, we can give the players the chance to either be retained or RTM at the market discovered price, ensuring that the player is not disgruntled about the retention price” she further said to clarify her point.
She elaborated on how RTM options can streamline the auction process, enabling players to achieve their market value while adhering to purse constraints, thereby allowing the purse to dictate terms with players rather than IPL franchise owners.
“It will also ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of a brand as prestigious as the IPL” she added.
The BCCI issued a statement indicating their intent to review the suggestions put forth by franchise owners before making any decisions regarding tournament rules and player retention policies.
