IPL Mega Auction 2025: Massive Retention Rule Changes Leaked – Everything You Need to Know
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is preparing for its most significant shake-up since the 2022 expansion. As the cricket world gears up for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the corridors of power at the BCCI have been buzzing with intense deliberations.
Recent leaks from the high-profile meeting between the IPL Governing Council and franchise owners suggest that the landscape of team building is about to undergo a radical transformation. From a surge in the number of retentions to the potential return of the ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) card, the leaked proposals could redefine how your favorite teams look next season.
1. The Numbers Game: Up to 6 Retentions?
The most significant leak concerns the number of players a franchise can hold onto before the auction hammer falls. In the 2022 Mega Auction, teams were limited to four retentions. However, reports suggest that for 2025, the BCCI is considering allowing up to 5 or 6 retentions.
- The Rationale: Dominant teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have lobbied heavily for higher retentions to maintain the “core identity” and brand value they have built over the last three years.
- The Structure: There is a possibility that this number will include a combination of direct retentions and RTM cards (e.g., 4 retentions + 2 RTMs).
2. The Return of the ‘Right to Match’ (RTM)
The RTM card, which was conspicuously absent in the 2022 auction, is reportedly set for a comeback. For those unfamiliar, the RTM allows a franchise to buy back their former player at the final auction price reached by another bidder.
The return of the RTM is seen as a fair compromise. It allows the market to determine a player’s true value while giving the original franchise the opportunity to retain their star talent if they are willing to match the highest bid.
3. The “Uncapped Player” Rule: The Dhoni Clause?
Perhaps the most talked-about “leak” is the potential reintroduction of a defunct rule regarding retired international players. The proposed rule suggests that players who have been retired from international cricket for five years or more could be classified as “uncapped players.”
This rule is being widely dubbed the “Dhoni Clause.” If implemented, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could retain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for a fraction of the cost (reportedly ₹4 crore), significantly saving their purse for other marquee signings.
4. Massive Hike in Salary Cap
With the IPL’s media rights valuation reaching stratosphere levels, the player purse is expected to see a substantial jump.
- 2024 Purse: ₹100 Crore
- Leaked 2025 Purse: Expected to be between ₹120 Crore and ₹130 Crore.
This 20-30% increase is vital because it allows teams to accommodate the higher salaries demanded by top-tier stars while still having enough depth to fill a 25-member squad.
Key Analysis: Who Wins and Who Loses?
The Winners: Stable Cores
Teams like KKR, SRH, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) stand to benefit the most. These teams have spent years scouting and grooming talent (like Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal). A higher retention limit prevents these “finds” from being poached by teams looking for a quick fix.
The Losers: Teams in Transition
Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), who may have been looking for a total overhaul, might find the talent pool in the auction room slightly diluted. If every team retains 6 players, the top 60 players in the world are off the market before the auction even begins.
The Strategic Shift
The “Impact Player” rule remains a point of contention. While broadcasters love it for the high scores, captains like Rohit Sharma have voiced concerns about it hindering the development of all-rounders. Leaks suggest the BCCI is leaning towards keeping the rule for at least one more season due to its commercial success.
Conclusion
While the official announcement from the BCCI is expected in late September or early October, these leaked changes suggest that the 2025 Mega Auction will be as much about mathematical strategy as it is about cricketing talent.
By allowing more retentions and bringing back the RTM, the BCCI is attempting a delicate balancing act: maintaining the competitive parity that makes the IPL exciting while rewarding franchises for their long-term scouting and player development.
One thing is certain: the road to IPL 2025 has already begun, and the boardroom battles are proving to be just as intense as the action on the pitch.
Stay tuned to our blog for live updates and official confirmation on the IPL 2025 Retention Rules.
