The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its upcoming mega auction, and the league’s franchise owners and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are set to meet on July 31 in Mumbai to discuss the modalities.
The meeting will focus on crucial decisions regarding player retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) card. Franchise executives have been informally discussing the best possible scenarios for player retentions, with varying demands ranging from a solitary retention to a maximum of eight.
The RTM card, which allows teams to match the highest bid for a released player, is also a topic of debate. A majority of franchises are in favor of reintroducing the RTM option, which was last used in 2018.
Some franchises are also proposing extending the mega-auction cycle from the current three years to five years. This move is aimed at providing security to players, allowing franchises to build and market their squads effectively, and serving the interests of the BCCI.
Additionally, some franchises are suggesting incremental contracts for cricketers, especially Indians, during a cycle. Currently, retained players cannot be officially paid for the next season, leading to some players taking the risk of being released and entering the auction pool for a purse correction. The franchises believe that a transparent process for renegotiating with players would benefit both parties.
The IPL’s mega auction is a significant event that shapes the composition of teams and the dynamics of the league. The decisions made at the upcoming meeting will have a major impact on the future of the IPL and the careers of many cricketers.
