Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Proposes Major IPL Retention and Auction Reforms
IPL Reforms: Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Proposes Overhaul of Retention and Auction Processes
In a bid to enhance strategic flexibility, ensure fair market pricing, and maintain the integrity of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kavya Kalanithi Maran, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has presented a comprehensive set of proposals to reform the retention and auction processes.
Maran’s primary suggestion is to allow franchises a minimum of six retentions or Right to Match (RTM) options ahead of the mega auction. This flexibility would enable teams to retain a core group of players while also allowing them to acquire new talent through the auction.
To address concerns about player satisfaction with retention amounts, Maran proposes that players be given the option to either be retained or go to auction at a market-discovered price. This would prevent disputes over retention amounts and ensure that players are fairly compensated.
Maran also advocates for removing the cap on retaining foreign players. She argues that each team has unique strengths and weaknesses, and the number of foreign players retained should be at the discretion of the franchise.
To prevent players from reneging on their commitments, Maran proposes banning players who do not show up after being purchased at the auction, unless due to injury. This would ensure that teams can rely on the players they acquire.
Regarding retired players, Maran believes they should be treated fairly in the auction. She suggests that their experience and brand value should be reflected in their auction price, rather than being classified as uncapped.
Finally, Maran proposes changes to how money is deducted from the overall salary cap for retained players. She suggests that the money deducted should be an overall pot based on the number of players retained, with franchises having the discretion to decide how to split the amount among retained players.
Maran’s proposals aim to create a more balanced and competitive IPL, where franchises have greater flexibility in building their squads and players are fairly compensated.