BCCI says no to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's suggestions on Impact Player Rule In IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited the owners of all ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises for a meeting on July 31 to chart out the roadmap for the upcoming mega auction. The Sportstar confirmed that the meeting will take place on July 31, but the venue has not yet been finalized.

This meeting is called for the major discussions regarding the IPL 2025 mega auction, which is likely to be held in December, as franchises seek clarity on the player retention policy and the possibility of reintroducing the Right to Match (RTM) option, as well as whether the Impact Player rule will continue in the next IPL 2025.

BCCI invites franchise owners to discuss plans for IPL 2025 Mega Auction

According to Sportstar, several IPL franchisee sources revealed that IPL CEO Hemang Amin has informed all the franchise owners about the meeting. However, the venue for the meeting has not yet been finalized, but it could be the refurbished BCCI headquarters at Wankhede Stadium.

The last mega auction, held in 2018, allowed franchises to retain up to five players—three through direct retention and the rest via the RTM option. However, the 2022 mega auction saw the introduction of two new IPL teams, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, leading to an amendment in rules where each franchise could retain only four players with the RTM option being removed.

This move allowed the new teams, the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, to build a strong core from a larger player pool, but it forced the existing eight franchises to dismantle their core units. Meanwhile, as the franchises prepare for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, many are calling for the reinstatement of the RTM option and an increase in the number of retained players to up to eight.

It will give teams more flexibility in maintaining their core groups. However, the BCCI is adopting a 'wait and watch' approach before formalizing the new auction guidelines for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The BCCI wants to have a health discussion with the franchise owners in the team.

Impact Player rule is likely to be retained for the next IPL 2025

A source in the BCCI was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “We will discuss each and every factor with the franchises and decide on the future course of action accordingly. We want a healthy discussion, and the only objective is to ensure that all franchisees get an equal opportunity.”

In addition to player retention and the RTM option, other crucial topics on the agenda include revising the salary cap and deciding whether to continue with the Impact Player rule for another season. It is being said that the Impact Player rule is likely to be retained for the next IPL 2025. This meeting will shape the future landscape of the IPL ahead of the next season.

Impact player rule is likely to stay in IPL 2025. [Sportstar]

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There will also be a discussion about conducting a mega auction once every five years. A senior franchise official suggests that extending the interval between mega auctions from the current three-year cycle to five years would benefit teams by allowing them to build continuity and focus on nurturing young, especially uncapped Indian players.