The series of meetings to make the Indian Premier League 2025 even more special has begun. On July 31, a meeting took place between IPL franchise owners and officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where several important decisions were discussed. This meeting focused on the future of the league, covering topics such as retention, impact player rules, foreign players, Indian capped and uncapped players, mega and mini auctions.
Controversy over the Mega Auction
The finalists of IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, were against the mega auction. They believed that it took them years to build their teams, and the mega auction could disrupt this balance. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, who have not yet won the IPL trophy, were in favor of the mega auction to improve their teams.
Unanimity on Foreign Players
BCCI suggested that if any foreign player leaves the IPL for ‘unfair’ reasons, a two-year ban should be imposed on them. All franchises agreed to this proposal.
Debate on Retention
There was a dispute between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings regarding retention. In the mega auction, 4 to 8 players can be retained, while there is no such limit in the mini-auction.
Also read: 3 Players Who Missed Last Season May Return in IPL 2025
Controversy over Impact Player Rule
The impact player rule was also discussed. Players and coaches are not in favor of continuing this rule, while broadcasters want to keep it. BCCI has yet to make a final decision on this.
Price of Uncapped Players
BCCI’s Chief Executive Officer Hemang Amin suggested that the base price of Indian players who have been inactive for five years or more could be reduced to give them a chance to be selected in the auction.
MS Dhoni’s Issue Raised
Chennai Super Kings want to see MS Dhoni playing in the IPL for the 2025 season. They want to bring back an old rule, which ended in 2021, where a player was considered ‘uncapped’ five years after retirement. However, other franchises rejected this proposal.