The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains undecided on the retention policy for the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Despite some factions advocating for increased retentions, the current 3+1 rule—allowing three retentions and one Right to Match (RTM) card—still has significant backing.
A senior official from an IPL franchise highlighted the disparity among teams regarding player retention capabilities. “Only a handful of franchises can retain 6-8 players, but it’s not feasible for every team. Auctions are integral to the IPL’s appeal, and increasing retentions would undermine this,” he explained. “Auctions contribute to the IPL’s unique charm, and reducing their importance could harm the league’s vitality.”
The debate over retentions has divided opinions, with concerns raised about the impact of frequent player movements on building loyal fan bases. So far, only a few players, such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, have played for a single franchise throughout their IPL careers. Some suggest that without auctions, a draft system and transfer window could foster greater team continuity.
An alternative perspective came from Kolkata Knight Riders’ CEO Venky Mysore, who proposed eight RTM cards per team to balance auction dynamics and player retention. However, this idea, revealed by commentator Harsha Bhogle, also faces criticism for potentially disrupting the auction process.
Supporters of increased retentions argue that it benefits teams investing heavily in scouting and player development. “Even teams that didn’t qualify, like Punjab Kings, have a solid core. Increased retentions would help maintain continuity,” stated an official from a scouting-focused franchise.
The BCCI had planned to discuss the retention rules with team owners during the 2024 IPL season, but the meeting was postponed. A new date has yet to be confirmed, with a potential rescheduling hinted at for June, though nothing is certain.
Additionally, the Impact Player rule will be reviewed. Some, including captain Rohit Sharma, believe it skews the game towards batters. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah noted that while the rule has provided opportunities for Indian players, its future will be decided after consultations post-World Cup.
“Impact Player is a test case. We’ve introduced it gradually, and it gives two Indian players more chances,” Shah remarked. “We will review it with input from players, franchises, and broadcasters post-World Cup.”
