IPL 2025 Retention: Know all about the new retention rules

 

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention day on October 31 is generating a lot of buzz, particularly with new rules and an increased auction purse. Here are the key points regarding the changes:

Key Changes for IPL 2025

1. Retention Policy:

   • Franchises can retain up to six players from their current squad using either retention or the Right to Match (RTM) card.
   • Teams have the flexibility to choose their combination of retentions and RTMs:
     • A maximum of five capped players (both Indian and foreign).
     • A maximum of two uncapped players.

2. Increased Auction Purse:

   • The auction purse has been increased to ₹120 crore, a rise of ₹20 crore from the previous season.
   • The total salary cap, which includes the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees, is set to rise significantly:
     • 2024: ₹110 crore
     • 2025: ₹146 crore
     • 2026: ₹151 crore
     • 2027: ₹157 crore

3. Introduction of Match Fees:

   • For the first time, players will receive a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per match, in addition to their contracted amounts.

4. Registration Changes for Foreign Players:

   • Foreign players must register for the Big Auction; failure to do so will make them ineligible for the following year’s player auction.

5. Player Availability Rules:

   • Any player (Indian or overseas) who registers for the auction but becomes unavailable before the season starts will be barred from participating in the tournament and subsequent auctions for the next two seasons.

6. Definition of Capped and Uncapped Players:

   • A capped Indian player who hasn’t played in any international fixture in the last five calendar years will be classified as uncapped. This rule applies specifically to Indian players.

Implications

These changes not only give franchises more flexibility in team composition but also emphasize the importance of strategic planning for both retention and auction. The introduction of match fees may also motivate players to perform consistently throughout the season.

As the retention day approaches, fans and analysts will be eagerly watching how teams navigate these new rules and what surprises may emerge in the player retention lists!