IPL 2025: Confused franchises demand clarity over player retention from BCCI

The ten franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have demanded a clarification from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the player retention policies for the upcoming season of IPL.

While the franchises will have to submit the list of retained players by the deadline of October 31, it is believed that the franchises have written to the BCCI regarding the retention, Player fee, match fee, performance fee, and many other things for the next three-year cycle.

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IPL franchises demand clarity over player retention from BCCI

According to TOI, the IPL franchises are still not clear about the new rules of Retention and Right to Match (RTM). According to the new rules, a total of six players can be retained with one of them being the uncapped one. A maximum of two uncapped players can be retained.

The prices have been listed at INR 18 crore for Player 1, INR 14 crore for Player 2, INR 11 crore for Player 3, INR 18 crore for Player 4, and INR 14 crore for Player 5. The price of an uncapped player has been listed at INR 4 crore.

But the IPL franchises are seemingly confused and demanded the clarification from the board. Various franchises have different interpretations of this rule and claim that the footnote has created the confusion

"Retention deduction of overall amount instead of fee per player, in this case of 75 Crs irrespective of what amount is paid to 5 players. If the total amount exceeds 75 Crs then actual amount to be deducted. In case the amount is less than 75 Crs then 75 Crs to be deducted," the footnote read.

New rules have left us confused, claims an official

An unknown official of an IPL franchise expressed his concern over the rule and argued about the rule. He also asked about the amounts given to the retained players if the franchises are offered a free hand to operate.

"What are they trying to say here? It has left us confused too. Does this mean that any price tag can be followed while retaining players? Say Player 1 and Player 2 can be retained at Rs 18 crore each? And if the total price of retentions exceeds Rs 75 crore then that would be deducted from the Salary Cap," the official asked.

"If it's a free hand for the franchises to use their own prices for different retentions then what are the 18, 14 and 11 markers for?," queried a senior official at a franchise," he added.

The senior official further argued why INR 75 crore is deducted even if the total amount used for retention is less than INR 75 crore. He asked the BCCI to clarify the rules as quickly as possible so that the franchises can start their homework before the auction.

"Since the footnote also says that if the amount is less than Rs 75 crores then also Rs 75 crore would be deducted. So they are trying to imply that one can retain Player 2 and 3 for a cheaper price than 14 and 11? A lot of clarity is needed because it is the most important piece of the puzzle and we have already asked for more clarification and explanation from the board," the official added.

Thorough version of rules coming up from BCCI

The IPL franchises are hoping for a thorough version of the guidelines which can elaborate the rules in a clear way. Another official even stated that the BCCI has just provided pointers so far and an explained version of the document will be shared in the upcoming days.

The franchises are likely to face a tough time this season regarding the retention of players. However, it promises to be one of the most exciting IPL auctions of all time.