SRH Owner Calls for Increased Player Retentions and Auction Transparency in IPL
Sunrisers Hyderabad Owner Advocates for Increased Player Retentions and Auction Transparency in IPL
Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran has proposed a significant change to the Indian Premier League (IPL) player retention system ahead of the 2025 season. During the IPL owners’ meeting at the BCCI Headquarters, Maran called for an increase in the number of player retentions or Right To Match (RTM) options for each team.
Maran believes that expanding the retention options to six would allow teams to preserve the core of their squads and avoid potential player discontent. She suggested that teams could utilize the options as four retentions and two RTMS, all six retentions, or all six RTMS.
“The choice on whether a retention or RTM is used should be with the franchise based on discussions with the player,” Maran explained. “This would give players the chance to either be retained or RTM at the market discovered price, ensuring that they are not disgruntled about the retention amount.”
Maran also highlighted the potential for side contracts between franchises and retained players if only retentions are allowed. She argued that RTMs would ensure that players receive market value within the restrictions of the purse, promoting transparency and maintaining the integrity of the IPL.
In addition to the retention proposal, Maran also advocated for a ban on players who fail to appear for the tournament despite being selected in the auction. “After being selected in the auction, if a player doesn’t come to play the season for any reason apart from injury, he should be banned,” she said.
Maran’s proposals were met with mixed reactions from other IPL owners. Some expressed support for the increased retention options, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on the auction process. The BCCI is expected to consider the proposals and make a decision in the coming months.