IPL 2025: BCCI Mulls Over Retention Options And Purse Increase With Franchises

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun discussions with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises about the number of player retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Following the end of a three-year cycle, the IPL is preparing for another mega auction. The BCCI is working on finalising the retention policy, with a decision expected to be announced at an owners' meeting later this month.

Most of the 10 IPL franchises have requested an increase in player retentions compared to previous years. While many teams suggested retaining five to seven players, one franchise proposed eight retentions. Conversely, another franchise preferred no retentions at all. There was also a suggestion to allow only Right To Match (RTM) cards and no retentions. The BCCI will reveal its decisions at the upcoming owners' meeting.

In 2021, the BCCI permitted franchises to retain up to four players with specific conditions regarding nationality. However, reports indicate that this norm might change for the upcoming year.

The player purse has been another topic of discussion among team CEOs. The general consensus is that the salary cap could range between Rs 110-120 crore, with a potential increase of Rs 20 crore being considered. Currently, the cap is set at Rs 100 crore.

BCCI Acting CEO and IPL in-charge Hemang Amin has recently consulted with franchise CEOs to gather their views on retention policies and salary caps for the next three years. A mega auction is planned for later this year, and opinions were also sought on possibly including RTM cards, which were not used in 2021.

Cricketing matters such as the Impact Player rule have also been discussed. While media rights holders are content with it, feedback from players has been less positive. Notably, India captain Rohit Sharma has spoken against the rule.

The IPL franchises have asked for more retentions for the next three seasons. This request comes after they were allowed to retain a maximum of four players in 2021 under certain conditions related to nationality.

The BCCI's decision on these matters will be crucial as it will shape team strategies and player movements ahead of IPL 2025.