The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is one of the most eagerly awaited events in cricket, given the popularity and prominence of the IPL. This detailed guide outlines the key rules and regulations governing the IPL 2025 auction, ensuring teams make informed, strategic decisions to strengthen their squad.
When is IPL 2025 Auction?
The IPL 2025 auction is scheduled for December 2024, with the exact date yet to be announced by the BCCI. The event is expected to be held in either Riyadh or Jeddah, as the BCCI is considering hosting the mega event in a Saudi Arabian city, according to a report by Cricbuzz.
How does Auction Work in IPL?
The IPL auction follows a systematic process where franchises bid for players under specific guidelines:
- Each franchise operates within its designated auction purse.
- Players must register for the auction to be eligible.
- An auctioneer conducts the proceedings, presenting players sequentially.
- Franchises participate in an open bidding process.
- Teams must maintain a squad size of between 18 and 25 players.
- A minimum of 7 Indian players must be included in each squad.
What is Mega Auction in IPL?
The mega auction, conducted every 3 years, represents a comprehensive squad rebuilding opportunity. IPL 2025 will feature a Mega Auction, allowing teams to add or change the core of their squads with strategic decisions.
How many maximum retentions are allowed for each team ahead of 2025 IPL Auction?
For the 2025 mega auction, retention rules include:
- A maximum retention limit of 6 players per team, including the use of the Right to Match (RTM) option.
- A maximum of 5 capped players can be retained.
- A maximum of 2 uncapped players can be retained.
- Teams have the option to release players back into the auction pool.
- Retention costs are deducted from the auction purse.
What is new RTM Rule in IPL Auction 2025?
The Right to Match (RTM) card system allows franchises to retain players during the auction by matching the highest bid for a player and acquiring them at that price.
- Teams will be provided with one RTM card for every retention slot they don’t use ahead of the auction.
- The RTM is applicable only for previously contracted players.
- It cannot be utilized for pre-retained players.
- The RTM must be exercised during the auction proceedings.
What is the Auction Purse for each team in IPL Auction 2025?
Each franchise receives an increased auction purse of ₹120 crore (up from ₹100 crore), subject to the following conditions:
- Retention costs are deducted from the total purse as follows:
- The first three capped players can be retained at ₹18 crore, ₹14 crore, and ₹11 crore, respectively, while the next two can be secured for either ₹18 crore or ₹14 crore.
- Uncapped Indian players can fetch a maximum of ₹4 crore.
- Any unused funds from the previous season can be carried forward.
- Teams must utilize at least 75% of their allocated purse.
Is there a Salary Cap on Foreign Player Fees in IPL Auction 2025?
For the next auction (2026 mini auction), the salary for an overseas player will be determined by the highest retention price (₹18 crore) or the highest auction price at the mega auction, whichever is lower. For example, if in the IPL mega auction, Virat Kohli is retained for ₹18 crore and Mohammed Siraj gets a maximum bid of ₹16 crore, then, for the IPL 2026 auction, no foreign player can receive a salary higher than ₹16 crore.
Foreign player regulations include:
- A maximum squad capacity of 8 overseas players.
- A playing XI can include a maximum of 4 foreign players.
- There is no individual salary cap for overseas players.
- Total expenditure must remain within the auction purse.
