IPL 2025 Mega Auction: New Retention Rules Confirmed, RTM Card Returns
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction will see some significant changes, as the new retention rules have been confirmed. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, franchises will be allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the auction, and the Right to Match (RTM) card makes a return after a six-year hiatus. Additionally, the Impact Player Rule, which stirred discussions last season, will continue to be part of the IPL.
IPL 2025 Player Retention Rules
Franchises have multiple options for retaining their squads under the new rules. Teams can:
- Retain up to six players directly.
- Use a combination of retention and Right to Match (RTM) cards.
- Choose six RTM cards without any direct retentions.
One of the major updates is that each team must retain at least one uncapped player. The other five slots can be filled with a mix of Indian and overseas players. This ensures a balanced squad composition while allowing franchises to protect emerging talents.
Increased Auction Purse for IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 auction purse has been increased to ₹120 crore—₹20 crore more than the previous season. This boost in budget will enable franchises to bid more competitively for top-tier players and build strong squads.
Retention Slabs and Costs
According to the report, the retention slabs have been set for the five retained players as follows:
- First Player: ₹18 crore
- Second Player: ₹14 crore
- Third Player: ₹11 crore
- Fourth Player: ₹8 crore
- Fifth Player: ₹7 crore
If a franchise retains all five players, ₹75 crore will be deducted from their total purse of ₹120 crore, leaving ₹45 crore available for new acquisitions.
RTM Card Makes a Comeback
The Right to Match (RTM) card, which was last seen in 2018, allows franchises to buy back their released players during the auction by matching the highest bid. This option will add more strategic depth to the team-building process.
Impact Player Rule Retained
The much-debated Impact Player Rule, which was introduced in IPL 2023, will also continue. Despite some criticism that the rule diminishes the role of all-rounders, the majority of franchise owners voted to retain it, citing its potential to add more flexibility and excitement to the game.
With these changes, the IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be one of the most thrilling events of the year, as franchises gear up to build their dream teams under the new retention and auction rules.
