The Indian Premier League (IPL) has finalized significant changes to its retention rules ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Franchises will now be allowed to retain up to six players each, an increase from the previous limit of four. Additionally, the right-to-match (RTM) option has been reinstated, allowing teams to match bids for players they have released.
The retention purse has also been increased to INR 120 crore (US$ 14.33 million approx.), a significant jump from last year’s INR 100 crore. This provides franchises with greater flexibility in retaining their core players.
Of the six players a franchise can retain, at least one must be an uncapped Indian player. The remaining five can be a mix of Indian and overseas players. Franchises have the option to retain players directly, use a combination of retention and RTM options, or solely rely on RTM.
The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, will remain in place for IPL 2025. This rule has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it disrupts the flow of the game while others believe it adds an element of strategy.
The retention rules will be officially communicated to the ten franchises shortly. The mega auction is expected to take place in December 2024, with the new season of the IPL commencing in March 2025.
