As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its next mega-auction, the potential return of the Right-to-Match (RTM) card is a hot topic. This rule, which allows franchises to retain a player who was released by matching the highest bid received during the auction, is under scrutiny. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his opposition to the rule’s return, advocating for a modified version instead.
Ashwin questions the fairness of the RTM card, arguing that if a team has decided not to retain a player, they should not be able to re-acquire him during the auction. “If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction?” he asked.
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Instead, Ravichandran Ashwin proposes a player-centric twist to the RTM rule. He suggests that players should have a say in whether they are eligible to be reclaimed via RTM. According to his idea, a player could agree to be subject to RTM only if the bidding price meets a pre-determined amount set by the player himself. This way, players would have more control over their future and the circumstances under which they could be re-acquired by their former teams.
“Give the option to the player” – Ravichandran Ashwin wants RTM rule to be changed ahead of IPL 2025 auction pic.twitter.com/eQFVZxzKvx
— Ayush Bisht Sports (@ayushbisht1290) August 28, 2024
The IPL has yet to announce the official rules and retention policies for the upcoming auction, leaving the fate of the RTM card uncertain. There is also speculation that the league might introduce a new structure, adding further intrigue to the auction process.
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With teams looking to refresh and strengthen their squads, the mega-auction promises to be an exciting event. Fans and franchises alike will be keen to see how the rules evolve and how teams use this opportunity to build competitive sides for the next IPL season.
