IPL 2024 Auctions: 5 Player Retentions on the Cards with no RTM for Mega Player Auction This Year

As we continue to wait for the Indian Premier League (IPL) governing body to announce the retention rules ahead of the 2025 mega-auction, it is suggested that franchises could be provided with as many as five retentions whilst the Right-to-match (RTM) could not be a part of the coming season.

According to a report by Indian Express, it is likely that the BCCI could go ahead with five retentions per franchise without the return of the RTM ahead of the auction. This would mean that the well-set franchises could retain almost half of their strongest 11, which would help keep their core for future seasons.

During a meeting with the franchise owners, the report claims that the majority of franchises wanted to have as many as 5-6 retentions, something that the BCCI is likely to adhere to.

But another topic of concern was the frequency of the mega-auctions as well. Once again, a majority of the franchises had asked for the bigger auctions to take place in a four or five-year period so that they have more time with the talents they have invested in.

Owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shah Rukh Khan along with other franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans were all in favour of the move. Among these, both CSK and MI are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won five titles each in the IPL.

The BCCI’s possible move of keeping five retentions will also assist the franchises in maintaining their brand value for a longer period. Several big-name players have already been etched in the colours of certain franchises. It could prove to be a negative move to see players move franchises so frequently, thus unable to establish an identity with a franchise like MS Dhoni with CSK, Virat Kohli of RCB and others.

If the five retentions turn out to be official, one thing is for certain. We will get to see some of the big stars likely be kept with their respective teams while other younger talents are given the chance to possibly establish their names on a different side, an interesting prospect for the viewers.