Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of IPL
The 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises will reveal their list of retained players in just over 48 hours, with the BCCI having set a 5 pm deadline on Thursday, 31 October. Last year, the IPL retention deadline was set for 26 November, followed by an auction on 19 December in Dubai.
With the mega auction for IPL 2025 expected to take place in late November, reportedly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the board has now designated 31 October as the final date for teams to confirm their retention choices.
This year’s auction marks the league’s second reset within three years, following the last mega auction in 2022, when Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants were added as new franchises.
The IPL Governing Council has allowed franchises to retain up to six players – the highest limit in league history – ahead of this year’s mega auction. Franchises can do so either through direct retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option in the auction, enabling them to keep core team players.
Rumors had suggested that Shreyas Iyer could leave Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) less than a year after leading them to their third title, with interest from other franchises looking for a captain. It has been reported that Iyer recently met with KKR’s top management, potentially indicating the franchise’s interest in retaining him.
KKR faces tough retention decisions with multiple standout performers from their current roster. The three-time champions reportedly aim to keep veteran West Indies all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, middle-order batter Rinku Singh, and leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, along with uncapped players Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh, are also high on their list, making Iyer’s retention more challenging.
Uncertainty surrounded MS Dhoni’s future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and whether the 43-year-old would retire or play another season. Dhoni recently all but confirmed he would participate in the 18th IPL season, offering relief to CSK management after weeks of speculation.
Dhoni may be retained as an “uncapped” player for the IPL 2025 mega auction. He recently said, “I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play,” adding that he plans to stay fit to participate in the IPL while also “chill a bit.”
Following these remarks, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan commented, “When he is ready, what else (do) we want. We are happy.”
Former Indian wicket keeper-batter Parthiv Patel, who played for six IPL franchises, including CSK (2008–2010) and Mumbai Indians (2015–2017), is set to take on his first coaching role in the league.
Reports say that Patel will join Gujarat Titans’ coaching staff, led by head coach Ashish Nehra, for the 18th season. The franchise is expected to announce his role, which will include assistant coaching and talent scouting, in the coming days.
Patel will also serve as the team’s batting mentor, replacing former India head coach Gary Kirsten.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
