The Indian Premier League (IPL) has unveiled its player regulations for the 2025 season, introducing significant changes to the retention and auction process. Franchises will now be allowed to retain a maximum of six players, down from eight in previous seasons. This move aims to create a more balanced competition and encourage teams to invest in a wider pool of talent.
The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be held in late November or early December and will be a mega auction, meaning all players will be available for selection. Franchises will have an auction purse of INR 120 Crore to bid on players, with the total salary cap now consisting of the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul will command a hefty price if he enters the auction. “He is the face of the franchise and you would want to make him the captain,” Chopra said. “If he goes to the auction, he will get Rs 18 crore.”
Chopra also discussed the case of Mayank Yadav, who has been selected in the India squad for the Bangladesh T20Is. “They would have definitely wanted to retain him, but if he gets the India cap, there is no advantage of retaining him,” Chopra said. “Then you can use the Right To Match card.”
A significant change for the 2025 season is the introduction of a match fee for players. Each playing member, including the Impact Player, will receive INR 7.5 Lakhs per match in addition to their contracted amount. This move aims to reward players for their performances and create a more competitive environment.
Overseas players will be required to register for the Big Auction, and those who fail to do so will be ineligible to participate in the following year’s auction. Any player who registers and then makes themselves unavailable before the start of the season will be banned from the tournament and player auction for two seasons.
Capped Indian players will become uncapped if they have not played in the starting XI in international cricket or do not have a Central Contract with the BCCI in the last five calendar years. This rule applies only to Indian players.
The Impact Player Regulation will continue for the 2025 to 2027 cycle, allowing teams to substitute a player during the match.
