IPL player retention and salary cap to be finalised by end of July: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are reportedly set to meet with the owners of the ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises at the end of this month in order to finalise the player retention rules and player salary cap, among other things, ahead of the mega auction that is set to take place before IPL 2025.

Cricbuzz reports that the BCCI and the franchises are expected to meet later this month, either on July 30 or July 31, with the key issue of player retention being at the very top of the meeting agenda.

The IPL 2022 mega auction saw the teams being allowed to retain a maximum of four players. No more than three Indian players were allowed to be retained. At the same time, the maximum number of overseas players allowed to be retained was two.

But ahead of the forthcoming cycle, most franchises are believed to have asked the board to allow more retentions in order to ensure stability and continuity.

“There have been varying views on the number of retentions allowed for a franchise,” the Cricbuzz report said. 

“Some argue that continuity is essential, as most franchises have existed for over 17 years now and the number of retentions permitted should be as high as eight. 

“It is being argued that for the sake of fan engagement and brand building, they need to structure their teams around players who are seen as integral to the franchise's image.”

The Right to Match (RTM) card did not exist back in the 2022 mega auction, but certain franchises are believed to be in favour of bringing back RTM. That is also expected to be discussed in the meeting.

Furthermore, the board and the franchises are also expected to discuss the salary cap. 

“There will also be a discussion on the salary cap, which is expected to be around INR 120 crore in the first year of the next three-year cycle,” the report added. 

The salary cap for sides ahead of the 2022 mega auction was INR 90 crore.

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