The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to revise the retention rules for the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the mega auction scheduled between December and February 2025. Teams may be allowed to retain up to six players, a significant increase from the four-player limit set during the 2022 mega auction, which also had no Right to Match (RTM) provision.
The IPL will continue with its controversial impact player rule for the upcoming season. Additionally, reports suggest that former India head coach Rahul Dravid may join Rajasthan Royals as their new coach.
Despite some franchises advocating for its removal, it seems the BCCI will retain the mega auction format. The board may allow teams to retain up to six players, possibly combining retention and RTM options. This update contrasts with the 2022 rule of only four retentions without RTM.
Also read: Rahul Dravid to Replace Kumar Sangakkara as Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025?
Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran has called on the BCCI to penalize players who opt out of the season without valid reasons. The franchise has faced issues with players backing out after being selected in the auction, impacting team balance and composition.
Maran also suggested that franchises should have discretion over how they distribute funds among retained players. This would address potential conflicts where players of similar calibre receive differing amounts based on predetermined brackets and eliminate the possibility of off-contract payments.