IPL 2025 auction all you need to know
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is approaching, and teams are gearing up for the mega auction. With new rules being introduced, the auction promises to be an exciting event for franchises and fans alike. Reports suggest that the mega auction is likely to take place on November 24 and 25 in Riyadh, though an official announcement is yet to be made.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced several changes to the retention rules, the Right to Match (RTM) card system, and auction regulations, which will shape how teams build their squads for the upcoming seasons.
Key Changes in IPL 2025 Retention Rules
Starting with the 2025 season, teams can now retain up to six players, including through the RTM option. The retention rules have been designed to give franchises more flexibility, while also ensuring a fair chance for all teams to strengthen their squads through the auction. Let’s break down the key details of the retention rules and how they will impact the IPL 2025 auction.
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Maximum Number of Retentions
Teams are allowed to retain up to six players from their existing squad. This can include:
- A maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas).
- Up to two uncapped players.
This allows teams to hold onto their core players while making strategic decisions about which players to release for the auction.
Cost of Retaining Players
Retaining players will come with a financial cost that is deducted from the team’s auction purse. The cost structure for retaining players is as follows:
- First retained player: INR 18 crores
- Second retained player: INR 14 crores
- Third retained player: INR 11 crores
- Fourth retained player: INR 18 crores
- Fifth retained player: INR 14 crores
The cost of retaining uncapped players is INR 4 crores each.
For example, if a team decides to retain five capped players and one uncapped player, the total cost would be INR 75 crores for the capped players and INR 4 crores for the uncapped player. This amount will be deducted from the team’s total auction purse.
Auction Purse for IPL 2025
Each team will have an auction purse of INR 120 crores for IPL 2025. After deducting the cost of retained players, the remaining purse will be used to bid for other players during the auction. For instance:
- If a team retains five capped players and one uncapped player, they will have INR 45 crores left for the auction.
- If a team retains four capped players and one uncapped player, they will have INR 55 crores left.
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Right to Match (RTM) Card
The RTM card is making a comeback in IPL 2025, but with a slight twist. The RTM allows a team to match the highest bid for one of its released players during the auction. Here’s how it works:
- If a team has released a player, and another franchise places the highest bid, the team holding the RTM card gets the chance to match the bid and retain the player.
- The highest bidding team will now get one final opportunity to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right.
For example, if Team A places a bid of INR 6 crores for Player X, and Team B holds the RTM for that player, Team A will be given the chance to increase their bid before Team B decides whether or not to exercise the RTM.
Impact of RTM on Auction Strategy
The RTM card adds an interesting dynamic to the auction. Teams can use this to their advantage by releasing high-value players and attempting to buy them back using the RTM, but they must be mindful of how other teams may increase their bids.
Each team will have a maximum of six RTMs, but if they retain six players, they will not be able to use any RTM cards during the auction. Therefore, teams must carefully balance their retention and RTM strategy.
Ban for Unavailable Players
One of the significant changes introduced for IPL 2025 is the ban on players who make themselves unavailable after being picked in the auction. If a player is selected in the auction but later withdraws without a valid reason, they will face a two-season ban from the IPL and future auctions. The only exception is for players who have a confirmed injury or medical condition verified by their home cricket board.
Match Fees for Players
In a first for IPL, match fees will now be introduced for players, in addition to their contracted amount. From IPL 2025, every playing member, including the Impact Player, will earn INR 7.5 lakhs per match. This is a new addition to the IPL format and will reward players for each game they play during the tournament.
Salary Cap for Overseas Players
A new rule has been introduced for the 2026 mini auction, which will set a salary cap for overseas players. The cap will be determined by either the highest retention price (INR 18 crores) or the highest bid during the mega auction, whichever is lower. This rule ensures that there is a balance between the salaries of Indian and overseas players in future auctions.
Player Retention Example
To understand how these retention rules will work in practice, let’s take the example of a team like the Mumbai Indians:
- Mumbai Indians decide to retain five capped players and one uncapped player.
- The total cost of retaining these players will be INR 79 crores.
- After deducting this amount from their auction purse of INR 120 crores, they will have INR 41 crores left to build the rest of their squad during the auction.
This example highlights the importance of strategic retention planning, as teams must balance the cost of retaining top players with the need to have enough funds left for the auction.
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Player Loan Concept
The IPL 2025 season will also see the reinstatement of the Player Loan concept. This allows teams to loan out players during the season if they are not being used by their primary franchise. This will provide teams with more flexibility to manage their squads during the season, especially in case of injuries or poor form.
Other Key Rules and Regulations
Salary cap changes: The total salary cap for IPL teams has been increased, with the auction purse now set at INR 120 crores for 2025. This will rise to INR 146 crores in 2026, INR 151 crores in 2027, and INR 157 crores in 2028.
Impact Player Rule: The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to replace a player mid-game, will continue for the 2025 to 2027 cycle.
Player injuries: From IPL 2025, player replacements due to injury or medical conditions will be allowed up to the 12th league match. Previously, replacements were allowed up to the 7th match.
The IPL 2025 auction is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with several new rules and changes designed to make the tournament more competitive and fair. Teams will need to carefully strategize their player retentions and use of RTM cards, while also balancing their auction purse to build the best possible squad. With a ban on unavailable players, the introduction of match fees, and a higher salary cap, IPL 2025 promises to bring new excitement to the world of cricket.
As teams prepare for the auction, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite players in action and watching how franchises manage their squads under the new rules. The date and venue for the IPL 2025 auction are yet to be announced, but it’s sure to be an event that cricket fans won’t want to miss.
