(BCCI Photo)
The scheduled gathering between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners is slated for July 31 in Mumbai. Anticipation surrounds this highly anticipated meeting, expected to encompass pivotal discussions.
One of the focal points is the Auction Purse, currently standing at Rs 100 crore per team, with strong indications suggesting a potential increase. Such a revision could significantly impact player strategies and franchise owner tactics alike.
Rumors are swirling about top players potentially changing teams ahead of the 2025 season. However, if the Auction Purse sees an increase, there could be a surge in players—both established and rising stars—entering the auctions.
The Auction Purse is likely to dominate discussions at Wednesday’s meeting, where consensus might be found amidst disagreements over rules like Impact Player and Retention policies.
While it’s still early, the Impact Player rule faced significant backlash during the 2024 IPL season. Critics ranging from seasoned cricketers to experienced coaches expressed reservations about its effects, acknowledging its entertainment value for fans but questioning its impact on player development.
“Yes, the good all-rounders – Axar, Jadeja and others – continued to find a way in the XI but more options meant someone like Washington Sundar hardly played in 2024. So overall development of players like Washington Sundar was certainly impacted but at the same time, coaches had more options to play with.
“Whether it’s bolstering the batting lineup or fortifying the bowling attack based on game demands, the focus remains on adapting dynamically,” noted a franchise official. “Spectators and viewers have not had reason to complain, even when scores were precarious at 50/4 or formidable at 200/3.”
On Wednesday, the BCCI will gather feedback from various team owners, while senior officials of the board believe that the Impact Player rule is benefiting Indian players by allowing teams to field an additional batter or bowler. This shift has contributed to numerous high-scoring matches this season, with broadcasters certainly relishing the sight of frequent sixes sailing into the stands.
Is five going to be the magic number?
The pivotal topic at the meeting will undoubtedly be the retention rule, where the Indian cricket board, in consultation with franchise owners, will determine the number of players each team can retain ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Alongside this, discussions will also revolve around the Right to Match (RTM) option, which all parties will explore.
This agenda has sparked significant division among the teams, each with their own preferences. Those who have achieved success in recent years are advocating for increased retentions, whereas struggling teams are inclined to start afresh. Meanwhile, franchises that have invested years in nurturing talent are understandably eager for rules that allow them to retain and develop their discovered players.
The Indian cricket board faces the challenge of finding a consensus that satisfies all franchises, with five retentions emerging as a potential compromise. According to a senior franchise official with experience across multiple IPL teams, retaining five players strikes the right balance between continuity and injecting new energy into the teams.
“The chatter will not stop because every team is in a different position before the 2025 season. Naturally, the ones who have done well want more and more retentions. But retentions undervalue the auction. And auction is an important part of the IPL ecosystem. In years to come, when the fan bases are well and truly cemented for all sides, it could well be a very transfer dominated ecosystem but as of now, auctions are important.
It will be difficult for even the BCCI to find that formula which works for every team but I have a strong feeling it could be five. Now how they do it is their call. I mean how they include RTM or retention or overseas player… five looks a decent number and should keep most teams happy,” says a veteran IPL team official.
Amidst differing opinions on crucial matters, the Indian cricket board faces the intriguing challenge of aligning franchise owners on common ground.
