Everything You Need to Know About IPL 2025: Retention Rules and Auction Purse

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, and with the recent announcements from the IPL Governing Council on September 28, 2024, fans and franchises alike are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming 2025 season. The new player regulations for the 2025-2027 cycle include significant changes to retention rules, auction purse allocations, and player management.

Key Highlights of IPL 2025 Regulations

One of the most talked-about changes this year is the allowance for each franchise to retain up to six players from their current squad ahead of the mega auction. After a lot of speculation surrounding the number of retentions—initial reports varied between five and six—the IPL Governing Council has confirmed that franchises can either retain players directly or use the Right to Match (RTM) option.

Retention Options:

Capped Players: A maximum of five capped players (both Indian and overseas) can be retained. Teams can keep up to two uncapped gems. This flexibility allows teams to carefully strategize their rosters for the upcoming season.

Auction Purse Boosted to ₹120 Crore

The auction purse for the IPL 2025 mega auction has been set at an impressive ₹120 crore, a significant increase from the previous year’s cap of ₹110 crore. The new salary structure for the next three years is as follows:

2025: ₹120 crore
2026: ₹151 crore
2027: ₹157 crore
This increase will provide franchisees with more financial leeway to build their squads and attract talent.

Introduction of Match Fees

In a historic first for the IPL, a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per game will be introduced for every playing member, including Impact Players. This new rule aims to reward consistency and outstanding performances in the league. For instance, a player participating in all league matches could earn ₹1.05 crore in match fees alone, in addition to their contracted amount.

The allocation for match fees for each franchise will total ₹12.60 crore for the season, enhancing the financial incentives for players and ensuring that their contributions on the field are recognized.

Ban on Players Who Pull Out

In response to concerns about player commitment, a stringent rule has been introduced: any player who withdraws from the tournament after being picked at the auction will face a two-season ban from participating in the IPL and future auctions. This decision reflects a growing intolerance for last-minute pullouts, reinforcing the importance of player accountability.

Capped Players Becoming Uncapped Again

According to a returning regulation, a capped Indian player will be considered uncapped if they haven’t participated in international cricket for the past five years leading up to the season. Additionally, these players must not have a central contract with the BCCI. This rule opens the door for franchises to retain legends such as MS Dhoni, provided he meets the criteria to qualify as an uncapped player.

The Impact Player Rule Continues

The Impact Player rule, which has sparked much debate among fans and analysts, will remain part of the IPL. While it adds excitement and engagement to the game, some purists argue that it diminishes the role of traditional all-rounders. Nonetheless, it will be fascinating to see how teams utilize this strategy in the coming seasons.