The Indian Premier League (IPL) has implemented stringent measures to address the issue of overseas players withdrawing from the tournament after being acquired at auctions. To deter such actions, the IPL has introduced a two-year ban for players who make themselves unavailable without legitimate reasons.
Additionally, the IPL has established a “maximum fee” for overseas players at mini auctions. This fee will be capped at the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crore) or the highest auction price at the mega auction. This move aims to prevent teams from overspending on overseas players during mini auctions.
The IPL’s decision to mandate overseas player registration for mega auctions is intended to discourage players and agents from seeking higher salaries during mini auctions. Previously, players could avoid the mega auction and potentially earn more money in subsequent mini auctions.
The IPL’s new rules also include an exception for players who withdraw due to injury or medical conditions, which must be confirmed by their home board. This exception ensures that players are not penalized for genuine reasons beyond their control.
The IPL’s governing council has emphasized that these measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tournament and ensure fair competition among teams. The new rules aim to prevent players from disrupting team plans and to create a more balanced auction process.