Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @iplt20
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to allow IPL franchises to retain up to five players for the upcoming auction, without the option of a right to match. This would enable teams like Mumbai Indians to retain their core players, including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
In a recent meeting at BCCI headquarters, the board discussed player retention with the 10 franchise owners. A majority supported the idea of retaining 5-6 players to maintain continuity, and BCCI is likely to agree, as it believes this will help preserve the franchises’ brand value.
Before the 2022 season, teams were allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with restrictions on retaining more than three Indian and two overseas players. However, it is not yet clear how many overseas players can be retained under the new rule.
With the option to retain five players, much attention will be on Mumbai Indians, whose core has remained largely unchanged over the last decade. However, after a disappointing season under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, it will be interesting to see how they handle their retentions.
The BCCI has yet to finalize the retention costs for the upcoming auction. In 2022, Mumbai retained Rohit for Rs 16 crore, followed by Bumrah (Rs 12 cr), Suryakumar (Rs 8 cr), and Kieron Pollard (Rs 6 cr). Given the rising stock of Bumrah and Suryakumar, their retention prices could change, assuming the franchise reaches an agreement with the players.
As the BCCI decides on retention policies, the upcoming player auction is expected to be significant. During the meeting, many franchises, particularly those that have been part of the IPL since its inception, preferred a big auction cycle every four to five years.
They argued for postponing this year’s big auction, citing continuity and reluctance to lose key players they had developed. Previous major auctions occurred in 2018 and 2022.
Notable figures, including Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, supported delaying the auction. Franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans also favored postponing the big auction.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
