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In a significant meeting held at the BCCI office in Mumbai, IPL team owners discussed various key issues concerning the upcoming 2025 season. The primary topics included the Impact Player rule, player retention policies, the frequency of mega auctions, and potential changes to the Right-to-Match (RTM) card system. The discussions, attended by prominent franchise owners, highlighted a range of opinions on shaping the future of the tournament.
Impact Player Rule Under Scrutiny
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal voiced strong opposition to the Impact Player rule, a regulation initially introduced to provide more opportunities for Indian, particularly uncapped, players. Jindal argued that the rule negatively affects the development of allrounders, aligning with the concerns previously expressed by India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma. “I’m in the camp that doesn’t support it. I prefer the traditional 11 vs. 11 format, which is crucial for developing allrounders,” Jindal stated.
Retention Policies and RTM Card Discussions
Retention was another hot topic, with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) owner Kavya Maran advocating for the ability to retain at least seven players without restrictions on the number of overseas players. This proposal was particularly relevant for SRH, which boasts a roster filled with prominent names like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen.
Maran also suggested a combination of retention and RTM options, allowing franchises to retain players before the auction or use the RTM card to secure players at their market value. This proposal was aimed at ensuring players are fairly compensated and not left “disgruntled” about retention amounts. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) backed the idea, requesting the option to retain up to eight players using the RTM card.
Mega Auctions: A Divisive Topic
The frequency of mega auctions was a divisive issue. While some owners suggested scrapping mega auctions altogether in favor of smaller, more frequent auctions, others, including Maran, advocated for retaining the five-year cycle. Jindal supported the continuation of mega auctions, arguing that they level the playing field and maintain the competitive spirit of the IPL.
Customized Retention Pot Proposal
Maran also proposed a new retention model where franchises could negotiate directly with players within a determined retention pot, rather than adhering to predefined slabs. This flexibility, she argued, would allow for better financial arrangements and player satisfaction.
Diverse Opinions Reflect Broader Debates
The meeting saw a wide range of perspectives, reflecting the diverse priorities of the franchises. Owners such as Shah Rukh Khan (KKR), Manoj Badale and Ranjit Barthakur (Rajasthan Royals), Kiran Gandhi (DC), Rupa Gurunath and Kasi Viswanathan (CSK), and others were present, either in person or virtually, showcasing the broad engagement of the IPL stakeholders in these critical discussions.
Next Steps
The BCCI stated that these recommendations will be reviewed by the IPL governing council for further deliberation. The final rules for the 2025 season, including retention and auction policies, are expected to be finalized by the end of August.
As the IPL continues to evolve, these discussions underscore the league’s commitment to maintaining a balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that the tournament remains one of the most exciting and competitive in the world of cricket.
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