IPL 2025 Retention Rules Explained - In Pics

Franchises can retain up to six players from their 2024 squads. This includes a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped Indian players, allowing teams to maintain their core roster.

The retention costs vary: the first capped player costs ₹18 crore, the second ₹14 crore, and the third ₹11 crore. Each uncapped player costs ₹4 crore, significantly impacting the team's auction purse.

If a team pays a capped player below their retained value, the deduction will still be based on the highest bracket. For instance, paying ₹10 crore for a capped player 2 results in a ₹14 crore deduction.

There is no limit on retaining overseas players. Teams can retain only foreign players if they choose, but the purse deduction will follow standard rules applicable to capped players.

An uncapped player is one who hasn’t debuted for their national team in any format. Additionally, for Indian players, those without recent international appearances or central BCCI contracts are considered uncapped.

Each franchise starts with a purse of ₹120 crore. Retaining multiple capped players can lead to substantial deductions, so strategic management of the purse is crucial for effective team-building.

Teams retaining fewer than six players can use Right-To-Match (RTM) cards during the auction to reacquire players. The number of RTM options available correlates with the number of players retained.

This year, the IPL allows certain capped Indian players who have not played international cricket recently to be classified as uncapped. This enables teams like CSK to retain MS Dhoni at a lower cost.

Players can refuse retention offers and enter the mega auction if they prefer. This gives players agency in their career decisions and could lead to major shifts in team compositions.

While a specific date hasn't been announced, the IPL 2025 mega auction is likely scheduled for late November. The excitement builds as teams prepare for strategic bidding wars to strengthen their squads.