BCCI likely to change retention purse rules ahead of mega auction for IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has come up with some changes in the retention purse ahead of the mega auction 2024. As per reports surfacing on the internet, now the franchises can retain players and distribute money in the way they like. This freedom will benefit a lot of franchises. As per ESPNCricinfo, Sundrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is planning to retain Henrich Klaasen for INR 23 crores.

Basically, if the franchises want to retain three players, they can divide the money at their convenience, but the sum total shouldn't exceed INR 43 crores. Moreover, if they are planning to retain five players, the total shouldn't exceed or be less than INR 75 crores. The IPL Governing Council will cut the balance amount if anything is left from INR 75 crores. 

"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 the actual amount to be deducted. In case the amount is less than 75 Crs then 75 Crs to be deducted," as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Now, franchises can decide how much they want to pay a player according to their worth. They can also pay more amount to the overseas players as per their will. 

What is the RTM Rule?

Another interesting rule in the IPL is the RTM or the Right to Match. Each franchise has an opportunity to retain one player from their squad at the auction table after the bid is fixed by other teams. Once a bid is placed, the franchise to which the player belongs will be asked to keep the player at the same price. 

For instance, if Mumbai Indians have placed their bid on Shardul Thakur at INR 10 crores and CSK wants to use RTM for him, MI will be given a chance to increase the bid amount. If MI increases the price to INR 15 crores and CSK still agrees to buy the player, they will have to buy them for INR 15 crores. 

While this seems confusing, the IPL Governing Council has allowed one RTM per side for the upcoming mega auction. Previously, CSK used an RTM card for Ravindra Jadeja in one of the auctions.