The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be one of the most exciting events in cricket, and it might be happening in Saudi Arabia. According to a report on Cricbuzz, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of hosting the auction in either Riyadh or Jeddah. While Dubai, which held the previous auction in December 2023, remains an option, the BCCI is eager to take the IPL to new territory, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the top choice.
Although the final auction date hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to take place in the last week of November 2024. This auction promises to be more dramatic due to the recent rule changes introduced by the IPL governing council during their meeting on September 28, 2024.
Key Changes in Player Retention Rules
The IPL governing council has implemented new player retention rules ahead of the 2025 auction. Each of the 10 teams can retain a maximum of six players, which includes five capped players (Indian or Overseas) and two uncapped Indian players. The uncapped Indian players are valued at Rs 4 crore each, and they must be retained from the squads of IPL 2024.
Retention Salary Slabs
For the five capped players retained, the salary slabs are as follows:
- Retained Player 1: Rs 18 crore
- Retained Player 2: Rs 14 crore
- Retained Player 3: Rs 11 crore
- Retained Player 4: Rs 18 crore
- Retained Player 5: Rs 14 crore
The retention amount will be deducted from the team’s auction purse, which is set at Rs 120 crore. For example, if Mumbai Indians retain five capped players and one uncapped player, Rs 79 crore will be deducted from their purse, leaving them with Rs 41 crore to build their squad for IPL 2025. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings, with four capped players and one uncapped player retained, will have Rs 55 crore available for the auction.
Right to Match (RTM) Card
Another significant change involves the RTM card system. Teams retaining six players will not be allowed to use RTM cards during the auction. However, teams that retain fewer players will have RTM cards available, allowing them to match the highest bid for a released player.
A new twist in the RTM rule now permits the bidding team to make a final bid if the RTM card is used. For instance, if Royal Challengers Bengaluru release Virat Kohli and Mumbai Indians bid Rs 25 crore for him, RCB can use their RTM card. However, Mumbai Indians can then raise their bid, and if they increase it to Rs 30 crore, RCB will have to match that higher price.
Former International Players as Uncapped Players
For the IPL 2025 auction, teams can treat former international players as uncapped, but only if the player has retired from international cricket or has not played at the international level in the past five years. This rule applies only to Indian players.
Deadline for Player Retention
Teams must submit their list of retained players by October 31, 2024.
Other Important Rules for IPL 2025
- Overseas Player Salary Cap: The salary for overseas players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction will be based on the highest retention price (Rs 18 crore) or the highest auction price from the 2025 mega auction, whichever is lower. If Hardik Pandya is bought for Rs 20 crore, for example, no foreign player can earn more than Rs 18 crore in the following auction.
- Overseas Player Commitment: Any overseas player who withdraws from the season without legitimate reasons will face a two-year ban from the IPL. Additionally, any overseas player who doesn’t register for the 2025 auction will be barred from registering for the 2026 auction.
- Match Fees: From the 2025 season, players will receive match fees of Rs 7.5 lakh for each IPL game they participate in, over and above their contracted salaries.
The IPL 2025 auction will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling new season, with these new rules adding layers of strategy and excitement. Fans worldwide eagerly await the announcements and roster changes as teams prepare for the upcoming edition of the world’s most popular T20 league.(online casino)