IPL 2025 Retention Rules: 5 Retentions, 1 RTM

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has announced the retention rules for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. All franchises are permitted to retain five players and have been given one Right to Match (RTM) card.

During a meeting held on September 28 in Bengaluru, the IPL Governing Council finalized the retention policy. Under the new rules, each franchise will be allowed to retain up to five players ahead of the 2025 mega auction. This is an increase from the previous mega auction in 2022, where teams were allowed to retain a maximum of four players.

There are no prescribed limits on Indian or foreign player retentions, allowing teams to choose any combination of Indian and foreign players among their five retentions. Each team will also receive one RTM card, which allows them to match the highest bid for a player they previously released. This card has been an essential tool for franchises to retain top talent without engaging in direct bidding wars.

Additionally, teams will receive one extra RTM card for each retention slot they do not utilize from the allowed five players. For example, if a team opts to retain only three players, they will receive two extra RTM cards along with the one initially granted to all teams.

The total purse value for each team has been increased from INR 100 crore to INR 120 crore for the upcoming season. To retain all five players, teams will have to allocate INR 75 crore from their total INR 120 crore purse. The first and fourth retained players will receive INR 18 crore, the second and fifth will get INR 14 crore each, and the third retention will cost INR 11 crore.

How much will each retention cost teams?
Total Purse = ₹120 crore

1. 1st retention: ₹18 crore
2. 2nd retention: ₹14 crore
3. 3rd retention: ₹11 crore
4. 4th retention: ₹18 crore
5. 5th retention: ₹14 crore

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the IPL Governing Council will soon reveal the details regarding the venue and date for the mega auction. The governing council framed all the retention rules after constructive discussions with the owners of all ten franchises earlier this year.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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