BCCI likely to allow franchises to retain uncapped players under a separate slot ahead of IPL 2025 mega-auction

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to allow IPL franchises to retain the uncapped players ahead of the mega-auction for IPL 2025. It is believed that a franchise could be allowed to retain at least two uncapped players.

The list of the uncapped players likely to be retained is a long one. Almost all the franchises have developed some young players over the years and have invested in them. As a result, the teams do not want to lose them despite the mega-auction.

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BCCI likely to allow franchises to retain uncapped players

According to The Times of India, the uncapped players could be allowed to be retained by a franchise under a separate slot. It had already been reported earlier that the auction purse could be increased from INR 90 crore to INR 130-140 crore.

"Every franchise could be allowed to retain, say, two to three uncapped players from their squad in the 2024 IPL season under an additional slot. The franchises are likely to push for it. Almost all the franchises have developed certain uncapped players which they don't want to lose since they have invested in them over the last two three years," a source was quoted as saying by the TOI.

A source also confirmed that the main discussion will be on the no. of retentions during the meeting between the BCCI and the IPL franchises. The meeting between the BCCI and the IPL owners will be held at the board's headquarters in the Wankhede Stadium Complex on Wednesday (July 31).

"A major time of the meeting is likely to be consumed in discussing retentions, which are likely to be not more than five or six in number, more time (five years from three) in the frequency of the mega auction, an increase in purse and performance-based increments for a player," a source said to TOI.

IPL teams invest in uncapped players for future

Many IPL teams have prepared and invested in the uncapped players over the years. Mumbai Indians have developed Akash Madhwal, Nehal Wadhera, and Naman Dhir and would not prefer to lose them now.

Similarly, Chennai Super Kings have youngsters like Mukesh Choudhary, Sameer Rizvi, and Akash Madhwal. Kolkata Knight Riders have invested in youngsters like Suyash Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, and Ramandeep Singh. Sunrisers Hyderabad have Abdul Samad and Nitish Kumar Reddy in their squad whom they would not like to lose and go into the mega-auction.

Even new teams like Lucknow Super Giants have invested in the fast bowling duo of Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav. Both have delivered exceptional performances for the team and LSG is likely to retain them if the opportunity comes.

Even Royal Challengers Bengaluru have invested in multiple players like Yash Dayal, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, and Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Before the IPL 2022 mega-auction, the eight franchises could retain up to four players overall, with a maximum limit of three Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. However, no Right-to-Match (RTM) cards were allowed at that time but one RTM could likely be allowed this time.

The source also confirmed that the controversial Impact Player rule is likely to stay despite its drawback of now allowing the all-rounders to show their skills. It is believed that the broadcaster wants big scores and the impact player rule helps in this aspect.