The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 recently concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing their third title in the tournament’s history. As the dust settles, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up for the 2025 auctions, maintaining its stance on the 3+1 retention policy.
Reports indicate that the franchises are largely opposed to increasing the Right to Match (RTM) cards, which could allow teams to retain up to eight players. It appears that, except for a few, most franchises are unable to retain six to eight players under the current conditions. Consequently, the BCCI is unlikely to alter the retention policy for the upcoming season.
An official, speaking to News18, emphasized the importance of the auction system: “Increasing retentions to six or eight players, while also having RTMs, would render the auctions meaningless. The auctions are integral to the IPL’s appeal, and diminishing their significance could be detrimental to the league’s health.”
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Some teams have voiced concerns about retaining more than three or four players, citing the impact on building a loyal fan base. Frequent player changes disrupt the continuity and connection fans have with their favourite teams.
BCCI in the proposal of 3 Retention & 1 RTM rule for IPL 2025 Mega Auction. [News18 from Sahil Malhotra] pic.twitter.com/WbceHsu7cD
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 31, 2024
The official acknowledged this issue but highlighted the unique flavor that the auction system brings to the IPL, suggesting that it’s premature to compare IPL fan bases to those of established European football clubs like those in the EPL.
“Yes, that’s a concern for many teams, but we can’t yet compare IPL fan bases to those of EPL clubs. The IPL is still relatively young, and only a few teams have developed a solid fan base. This will take time. If there is a strong push to develop loyalty, perhaps eliminating the auction in favor of a draft or introducing a transfer system could be considered. However, the auctions are currently a defining feature of the IPL,” the official added.
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The retention and auction policies are critical to maintaining the competitive balance and excitement that characterize the IPL. As the league evolves, the BCCI and franchises will continue to navigate these complex decisions to ensure the IPL remains a dynamic and engaging tournament for players and fans alike.
