The IPL 2024 Player retention window concluded on Sunday evening, with the 10 franchises collectively retaining 173 players for the upcoming season of the lucrative league. The retention event is scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, prompting teams to shift their focus towards identifying players who can enhance the depth and balance of their squads.
Bold moves were witnessed as franchises like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to release a substantial number of their overseas players. Mumbai, the five-time champions, parted ways with Jofra Archer, Tristan Stubbs, Duan Jansen, and Jhye Richardson. Notably, releasing Archer marked a significant decision for Mumbai, having supported him for two consecutive seasons despite injury setbacks, with the fast bowler making only five appearances across two seasons.
RCB, in a bid to revamp their bowling attack, released Hazlewood, Harshal, Hasaranga, David Willey, and Michael Bracewell. With a purse of INR 40.75 crores for four overseas spots and three domestic spots, RCB has strategically opened up space for the upcoming IPL auction, set to take place on December 19 in Dubai. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have a purse of INR 15.2 crores.
Also read: List of Most Expensive Releases of IPL 2024
Chennai Super Kings made headlines by releasing Ben Stokes, who opted out of the next season to manage his workload and fitness. KKR also underwent changes, parting ways with Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, and Shakib Al Hasan to boost their salary cap for the upcoming auction.
In contrast, teams like Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) retained the majority of their successful players from the first two seasons, refraining from releasing any significant players. Delhi Capitals, aiming for a revamp, released Mustafizur Rahman, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, and Phill Salt ahead of the auction.
Despite a disappointing performance last season, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad showed restraint in player releases. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad did part ways with Harry Brook in their bid for strategic team adjustments. As the stage is set for the IPL auction, franchises are poised to make calculated moves to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
| Franchise | No of Players | No of Overseas Players | Total money spent (Rs.) | Salary cap available (Rs.) | Available Slots | Overseas Slots |
| Chennai Super Kings | 19 | 5 | 68.6 crore | 31.4 crore | 6 | 3 |
| Delhi Capitals | 16 | 4 | 71.05 crore | 28.95 crore | 9 | 4 |
| Gujarat Titans | 18 | 6 | 76.85 crore | 23.15 crore | 7 | 2 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 | 4 | 67.3 crore | 32.7 crore | 12 | 4 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 19 | 6 | 86.85 crore | 13.15 crore | 6 | 2 |
| Mumbai Indians | 17 | 5 | 84.75 crore | 15.25 crore | 8 | 3 |
| Punjab Kings | 17 | 6 | 70.9 crore | 29.1 crore | 8 | 2 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 18 | 4 | 59.25 crore | 40.75 crore | 7 | 4 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 5 | 85.5 crore | 14.5 crore | 8 | 3 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 19 | 5 | 66 crore | 34 crore | 6 | 3 |
| Total | 173 | 50 | 737.05 crore | 262.95 crore | 77 | 30 |