IPL Mega Auction: Six Retentions, RTM Returns, and Impact Player Rule Continues

IPL franchises can now retain up to six players each for the 2025 season, with the right-to-match (RTM) option returning for the mega auction. Additionally, the Impact Player rule will remain in effect until the 2027 season. Furthermore, the auction purse has increased by ₹20 crore, bringing it to ₹120 crore (approximately US$ 14.3 million). These were some of the key decisions announced by the IPL governing council on Saturday.

Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players through a combination of retention and the RTM option. "It is up to the IPL franchise to decide their combination of retentions and RTMs," stated the IPL release. "The six retentions/RTMs may consist of a maximum of five capped players (both Indian and overseas) and up to two uncapped players."

Retention Slabs for IPL 2025

If a franchise chooses to retain five capped players, the following amounts will be deducted from their purse:

- For the first three retentions: ₹18 crore, ₹14 crore, and ₹11 crore

- For the next two: ₹18 crore and ₹14 crore

For uncapped players, the IPL has maintained the retention cost at ₹4 crore, consistent with the 2021 mega auction. This means that if a franchise retains five capped players and one uncapped player before the auction, it will forfeit ₹79 crore from its overall purse of ₹120 crore, leaving it with just ₹41 crore to spend in the auction.

If a franchise retains four capped players and two uncapped players, it will lose ₹69 crore from its purse.

Impact Player Rule Remains

Despite objections from franchises and concerns raised by high-profile players like Rohit Sharma regarding its potential negative impact on the development of all-rounders, the IPL has decided to keep the Impact Player rule in place for the next three seasons, extending through 2027.

Since its introduction in the 2023 season, the Impact Player rule has sparked significant debate over its benefits to Indian cricket, which was its original aim, versus its potential impact on the development of all-rounders. This topic was discussed during a meeting on July 31, attended by various team owners and principals. While there was no unanimous agreement on the rule, a majority expressed support for its retention.

Notably, nine of the ten highest totals in IPL history have been achieved since the implementation of the Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a first-XI player for a specialist batter or bowler based on the match situation. The IPL believes this rule has enhanced the overall experience by creating exciting moments for spectators.

RTM Card - Final Bidder Gains Extra Opportunity

The Right to Match (RTM) option allows a franchise to buy back a player during the auction by matching the highest bid made by another franchise once the bidding concludes. This option was utilised in the 2017 mega auction but was discarded ahead of the 2022 auction.

After at least three franchises advocated for its return, the IPL has decided to reinstate the RTM option. Owners of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) expressed a desire for seven to eight RTMs. However, players have generally been against the RTM, feeling that it often results in lower prices.

To address players' concerns, the IPL has modified the RTM rule: "The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right. For example, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 places the highest bid of ₹6 crore, Team 1 will first be asked if they wish to exercise the RTM. If they do, Team 2 will then have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to ₹9 crore, Team 1 can use the RTM to acquire Player X for ₹9 crore. If Team 2 opts not to increase their bid and maintains it at ₹6 crore, Team 1 can use the RTM to secure Player X for ₹6 crore."

Injury Replacements and Player Loans

Until IPL 2024, franchises were required to find replacements for injured players before their seventh match of the season. Starting in IPL 2025, teams will have until the 12th match in the league phase to seek replacements.

Additionally, while the player loan process has never been utilised, the IPL has decided to reinstate it, allowing for activation only during the season.

Rule Change Allows CSK to Retain 'Uncapped' Dhoni

In a significant update, the IPL has announced the revival of a rule that permits Indian players who retired from international cricket at least five years prior to the relevant season to enter the auction as uncapped players. This rule, initially established in 2008 but discontinued in 2021, was shared with the franchises during recent discussions on uncapped players.

According to the IPL's media release, "A capped Indian player will be considered uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket or do not hold a central contract with the BCCI during the five calendar years leading up to the year of the relevant season." This rule applies exclusively to Indian players.

This change provides the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time champions, with the opportunity to retain their former captain, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player. Prior to the 2022 mega auction, CSK had retained Dhoni as their second player for INR 12 crore. If CSK opts to retain him now as an uncapped player, his salary would be reduced to INR 4 crore.