Despite the suggestion and controversies, the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is set to remain a fixture in the cricket calendar, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With the 2025 season right around the corner, the BCCI has announced significant changes to the player retention rules, increasing the number of players each team can retain from four to six. This move comes in response to concerns raised by several franchise owners during a meeting with the BCCI on July 31.
During the meeting, franchise owners, particularly those from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, expressed their suggestions about the mega auction format. They argued that the restriction of retaining only four players had the potential to undo the progress teams had made since the last auction in 2022. These owners pointed out that the frequent mega auctions force teams to opt for temporary solutions rather than building a stable, long-term squad. Their primary concern was that the auction format disrupts team harmony and continuity, which are crucial for sustained success.
IPL Player Retention Rules: BCCI Allows teams to retain up to six players
In response to these concerns, the BCCI has agreed to increase the number of retained players from four to six, providing teams with more flexibility to build and maintain a stable squad. This change is expected to allow franchises to retain their core group of players, bringing in continuity and long-term planning.
Additionally, there is speculation that the Right to Match (RTM) option may be reintroduced. The RTM, which was last used in 2018, allows teams to retain players by matching the highest bid for them at the auction. If reinstated, teams could retain players through a combination of direct retentions and RTMs, with possible combinations like a 4+2 or 3+3 system. This would further enhance the ability of franchises to maintain a competitive edge.
CSK Demand Retaining MS Dhoni as an Uncapped Player
Amidst these discussions, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have put forward a unique request regarding the retention of their iconic captain, MS Dhoni, for the 2025 IPL season. CSK is exploring the possibility of retaining Dhoni as an uncapped player, an idea that was discussed during the meeting with the BCCI and the ten franchises in Mumbai on Wednesday last week.
CSK’s proposal hinges on the reintroduction of an old rule that classified players who had retired from international cricket for five or more years as uncapped. This rule was in place from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 until it was scrapped in 2021. By reintroducing this rule, CSK hopes to retain Dhoni without using one of their six capped player retention slots.
However, this suggestion has met with resistance from other franchises, who are not in favor of bringing back the rule. The opposition is likely due to the fact that allowing such an exception could set a precedent that might complicate the player retention process for other teams and of course any franchise would do anything to get Dhoni out for auction if possible.
Also read: How Can CSK Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player in IPL?
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