The BCCI’s decision to reintroduce the Right to Match (RTM) rule has sparked debate among IPL franchises as they prepare for the upcoming auction. RTM, previously used in past auctions, allowed teams to retain players by matching the highest bid made for them, ensuring a fair market value while keeping key players.
Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, the BCCI introduced changes to retention rules and auction regulations, including updates to the RTM process. These changes have raised concerns, with franchises arguing that the revised RTM system undermines competitive bidding.
Under the new rules, the highest bidder in the auction now has an additional opportunity to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM card can decide to use it. This adjustment allows the final bid for a player to be raised, giving an advantage to the highest bidder.
For instance, if Team 1 holds the RTM for a player and Team 2 bids INR 6 crore, Team 1 is asked if they want to use their RTM. If they agree, Team 2 can increase their bid—say to INR 8 crore—forcing Team 1 to match the new amount to retain the player.
According to a report, IPL franchises argue that the new changes to the RTM rule shift the balance of power and undermine its original purpose. The initial RTM rule allowed teams to secure a player at a fair, market-driven price, but the updated process enables arbitrary bid increases, making it harder for teams holding the RTM to compete.
Many believe this change disproportionately favors wealthier franchises, potentially disrupting the auction process. Some teams have filed formal complaints with the BCCI, stating that the rule forces them to match inflated bids that do not reflect the player’s actual market value.
Franchises also highlight that this adjustment could contradict the BCCI’s broader goal of ensuring a more balanced auction. The board has already imposed steep retention fees—INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore for fourth- and fifth-ranked retentions, respectively—to prevent teams from retaining too many top players.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
