IPL 2025 Player Retention Strategies Announced

Franchises have until October 31 to finalize player retentions for the 2025 IPL auction, with a maximum of six players allowed. The auction purse has increased to INR 120 crore, and notable rule changes include the Impact Player rule and criteria for retaining uncapped players.

Teams have until October 31 to finalize their player retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, announced the governing council on Saturday. Each franchise can retain a maximum of six players, using a combination of direct retentions and the right-to-match (RTM) option, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Up to five capped players, both Indian and overseas, and no more than two uncapped Indian players can be retained. Any player debuting internationally before October 31 will be classified as capped. If retained as uncapped and debuts before the auction, only INR 4 crore will be deducted from the team's auction purse. The purse for the mega auction has risen by INR 20 crore to INR 120 crore (around USD 14.3 million). The retention price for uncapped players remains INR 4 crore. Indian players retiring from international cricket at least five years prior can enter the auction as uncapped players, allowing CSK to retain MS Dhoni as one.

The IPL will keep the Impact Player rule, first implemented in 2023, permitting teams to substitute a first-XI player with a specialist batter or bowler based on match conditions. This rule has sparked debate over its effect on Indian cricket and all-rounder development. Most franchises back its retention, noting that nine of the top ten highest totals in IPL history occurred after the rule's introduction, enhancing match entertainment value.

(With inputs from agencies.)