IPL 2025: With the IPL 2025 mega auction just five months away, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene a crucial meeting with franchise owners at the end of July. The agenda? To finalize player retention policies, the potential reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card, and an increase in the salary cap. The meeting is expected to take place on July 30 or 31 at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Let’s have a look into more details: IPL 2025
Player Retention
The BCCI has already initiated discussions with franchises, seeking their opinions on player retentions. Opinions vary significantly, with some franchises advocating for as many as eight retentions to ensure continuity, fan engagement, and brand development. These teams argue that retaining a core group of players, many of whom have been with the franchise for years, is crucial for maintaining team identity and loyalty.
On the other hand, some franchises believe in minimal retentions, suggesting that a smaller number of retained players will keep the auction competitive and fair. The BCCI aims to strike a balance that satisfies the majority, ensuring a competitive yet stable league.
Right to Match (RTM) Cards
The RTM card, which hasn’t been used since 2018, allows franchises to retain a player by matching the highest bid made for them during the auction. There is a growing debate about whether to reintroduce this feature. Some franchises support its return as it provides an additional mechanism to retain key players, while others are skeptical, fearing it could complicate the auction process.
Salary Cap Increase
One point of unanimous agreement among the franchises is the need for a higher salary cap. Currently set at Rs 100 crore, there are proposals to increase this to Rs 120 crore for the IPL 2025 mega auction. This 20% increase would allow teams to bid more aggressively for top players and build stronger squads.
The salary cap has seen significant changes over the years, reflecting the league’s growth and increasing player valuations.
Here’s a look at the evolution of the IPL salary cap:
- 2008: $5 million
- 2009: $7 million
- 2010: $7 million
- 2011: $9 million
- 2012: $9 million
- 2013: $12.5 million
- 2014: Rs 60 crore
- 2015: Rs 63 crore
- 2016: Rs 66 crore
- 2017: Rs 66 crore
- 2018: Rs 80 crore
- 2019: Rs 82 crore
- 2020: Rs 85 crore
- 2021: Rs 90 crore
- 2022: Rs 90 crore
- 2023: Rs 95 crore
- 2024: Rs 100 crore
- 2025: Rs 120 crore (expected)
Top Retained Player Salary
With the potential increase in the salary cap, the salaries for top retained players are also expected to rise. Historically, the salary for the top retained player has been around 16-17% of the total salary cap. For the 2024 season, this amounted to Rs 17 crore. If the proposed cap increase to Rs 120 crore is approved, the top retained players could earn around Rs 20.5 crore. The BCCI will clarify the exact formula for calculating these salaries during the meeting.
Venue and Logistics
Unlike previous meetings held in five star hotels, this crucial gathering will take place at the BCCI’s refurbished office at the Wankhede Stadium Complex in Mumbai. This change of venue underscores the importance and formality of the discussions.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the upcoming BCCI meeting with franchise owners will play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s future. Decisions on player retention policies, the possible return of the RTM card, and an increased salary cap will have significant implications for team strategies and player careers. With diverse opinions and significant stakes involved, this meeting promises to be one of the most consequential in recent IPL history.
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FAQ
When is the BCCI meeting with IPL franchise owners scheduled?
The meeting is expected to take place on July 30 or 31, 2024
