Franchises have proposed that the IPL conduct mega auctions every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. They suggest allowing teams to retain four to six players and giving each franchise eight right-to-match (RTM) options. This longer gap between mega auctions would help teams build continuity and develop young players, particularly uncapped Indians, without the risk of losing them to rival franchises. The proposal also includes permitting franchises to renegotiate player salaries between auctions, ensuring transparency while keeping the player under contract. IPL officials are expected to discuss these suggestions with franchises soon.
Demands of IPL Franchise Owners
Franchises have suggested holding IPL mega auctions every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. They propose that teams retain four to six players and have eight right-to-match (RTM) options. This approach would allow teams to build continuity and develop young, uncapped Indian players, reducing the risk of losing them to rivals. It also suggests enabling franchises to renegotiate player salaries between auctions, ensuring transparency while keeping players under contract.
Historically, the IPL has had four-year cycles between mega auctions twice in the last decade. The upcoming 2025 auction will be the first mega auction since 2022. Some franchises propose retaining one key player, such as a captain, and using RTMs for the rest, allowing market-driven pricing and potentially reducing player dissatisfaction.
Another idea is to use a combination of player retention and RTMs, similar to the 2018 auction. However, this could create issues if players retained before the auction end up with lower bids compared to those bought back via RTMs. There is also debate about having eight RTM options with no pre-auction retentions, which could level the playing field but also drive up prices and disrupt auction strategies.
Franchise officials emphasize the need for long-term player retention to build fan loyalty and continuity. The IPL is expected to discuss these proposals, along with other matters like the Impact Player rule, auction purse, and salary cap adjustments, in an upcoming meeting with franchises.