EXPLAINED: All you need to know about IPL team owners-BCCI meeting

Which franchises want a mega auction, and which don’t?

Seven retentions, mega auctions or small auctions, and the number of overseas players were some of the topics of discussion that took place in Mumbai on Wednesday (July 31). 

While some franchises want to retain as many as seven players, others are more than willing to let most of their team go back to the auction table. 

READ: No consensus among IPL franchises on mega auction

Who wants what? 

Franchises that don’t want mega auction this year: Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans

Franchises that want mega auction this year: Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Who are the players these teams would want to retain?

Earlier this year, we explored which players each side would want to retain ahead of the mega auction.  Here’s Shubh Aggarwal exploring those options here.

In the meeting, different teams wanted different numbers of retentions. However, according to reports, about 5-6 retentions will be allowed. There was no clarity as to how many Indian and how many overseas players could be retained. 

Multiple reports indicate that Kaviya Maran, SRH's CEO, wanted as many as seven retentions and no cap on the overseas slot. 

Impact player, yes or no?

A relatively new concept, the Impact player rule was introduced in the IPL in 2023. Since then, there have been divided opinions about this rule. The ones in favour believe that it gives young players a chance to prove themselves in a high-pressure environment, while the others believe that the Impact player rule completely negates the role of an all-rounder.

"Some people want it because it gives a chance to young players to play in the IPL," Delhi owner Parth Jindal said after the meeting, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. 

"Some people don't want it because it is detrimental to Indian cricket in terms of the development of allrounders. So it's a mixed bag. I'm on the second camp. I don't want it. I prefer the game as it is 11 versus 11, and I think all-rounders are very important. And you have different players who don't bowl in the IPL or don't bat in the IPL because of this rule, which is not good for Indian cricket."

Decision in a week’s time

However, no consensus was reached at the meeting. BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who attended the meeting, said, “We’ve discussed everything. We’ll make all the decisions in a week's time.”

“The BCCI will now take these recommendations to the IPL Governing Council for further deliberation and evaluation before formulating the IPL player regulations,” he further added.

When is the mega auction scheduled?

The mega auction is supposed to take place in December 2024. However, more clarity will be forthcoming on whether it will be held at all. As things stand, opinions are divided.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.