The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has set a critical deadline of October 31, 2024, for all ten franchises to reveal their list of retained players ahead of the much-anticipated IPL mega auction. Confirmed by the IPL Governing Council on Saturday, this announcement allows each team to retain up to six players through either direct retention or the Right to Match (RTM) card option.
In a noteworthy move, the BCCI has also clarified that any player making his international debut on or before October 31, 2024, will be counted as a capped player in the auction. “For retention purposes, any player who gets capped on or before October 31, 2024, will be considered a capped player,” the IPL’s official release reportedly stated. This announcement provides an important guideline for franchises as they plan their roster strategies.
The decision regarding the combination of retentions and RTMs has been left to the franchises. However, the stipulation is that among the six retained players, there can be a maximum of five capped and two uncapped players. This offers teams some flexibility while also maintaining a balance between experienced and new talent. Alongside this decision, the auction purse for each team has been increased to Rs 120 crore, providing teams with additional financial leverage to build a competitive squad.
In a historic development, the IPL declared that all players part of the playing 12 will receive a match fee of Rs 7.05 lakh per match. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah also confirmed this adjustment. “In a historic move to celebrate consistency and champion outstanding performances in the IPL, we are thrilled to introduce a match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game for our cricketers! A cricketer playing all league matches in a season will get Rs. 1.05 crores in addition to his contracted amount. Each franchise will allocate INR 12.
.60 crores as match fees for the season! This is a new era for the IPL and our players!” Shah wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
This announcement represents a significant step in affirming the league’s commitment to rewarding players’ consistent performances. It also underscores the IPL’s ongoing efforts to elevate the professional standards of its cricketers, making it even more attractive for aspiring players around the globe.
However, amidst these announcements, there have been no official mentions about the retention slabs, even though reports indicate that the first player retained could earn as much as Rs 18 crore. This indicates that the financial aspects of player retention are still being fine-tuned and may be disclosed in the near future.
In another intriguing development, Indian players who have not played international cricket for the last five years or do not hold a BCCI contract for the said period will be classified as uncapped players. This rule, which has been reinstated after being scrapped in 2021, opens the door for teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to potentially retain iconic players like MS Dhoni as uncapped players for the next season.
This sets the stage for franchises to strategize and make crucial decisions about their rosters. All these decisions and many more related to player retentions must be finalized on or before October 31, 2024, by 5 PM IST, adding a sense of urgency for all the teams involved.
The upcoming mega auction promises to be a game-changer, potentially reshaping team rosters and dynamics in unprecedented ways. As the deadline approaches, cricket enthusiasts and team managers alike will be keenly watching how each franchise navigates these new rules and opportunities.
This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting periods in IPL history, filled with anticipation and strategic maneuvers that could significantly impact the league’s future. The stakes have never been higher, and each decision made by the franchises will be under intense scrutiny as fans eagerly await the final line-ups.
In conclusion, the BCCI and IPL Governing Council’s latest decisions mark a significant milestone, affirming their commitment to evolving the league while maintaining a high competitive standard. The October 31 deadline adds an element of urgency and focus, ensuring that franchises are well-prepared for the upcoming mega auction. As the dust settles, it will be fascinating to see how these new regulations shape the future of the IPL, offering a fresh chapter in India’s beloved cricket league.
