The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council is set to meet with franchise owners in Mumbai on Wednesday to discuss potential changes to the team purse and retention policies. The meeting will focus on five key points:
1. Team Purse:
The current team purse of Rs 100 crore is expected to be increased by 20-25%, bringing it to a maximum of Rs 120-125 crore. This increase is seen as necessary to accommodate the rising player salaries and the expansion of the league to 10 teams.
2. Player Retention:
The number of player retentions is likely to be increased from four to five or six, including the use of ‘Right To Match’ (RTM) options. This will allow teams to retain their core players and maintain continuity. However, there is some disagreement among teams on the ideal number of retentions, with some advocating for as many as eight.
3. Impact Player Rule:
The ‘Impact Player’ rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during a match, has drawn mixed reactions. While some teams support the concept, others, including India captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, have expressed concerns about its impact on the development of all-round cricketers.
4. IPL Gaming Rights:
The meeting will also discuss the issue of IPL gaming rights. The BCCI is considering selling the rights to a single operator, which could generate significant revenue for the league.
5. Revenue Sharing:
The distribution of revenue from the IPL’s Central Merchandising pool will be another topic of discussion. Teams are seeking a more equitable share of the revenue, which is currently dominated by the larger franchises.
The outcome of the meeting will have a significant impact on the upcoming IPL auction, which is scheduled for the end of the year. The decisions made will shape the composition of teams and the overall dynamics of the league.
