IPL 2025: Two-year ban for overseas players for pulling out after auction

The Indian Premier League General Council (IPL GC) has introduced some measures to address the issue of overseas players withdrawing after being selected in the auction. 

In a recent meeting between the IPL GC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Bengaluru, new retention rules were established to prevent players from making themselves unavailable after being bought at auction. The rule included a two-year ban for overseas players who withdraw without legitimate reasons. Exceptions will be made for injuries or medical conditions, provided they are confirmed by the player's home board.

"Any player who registers for [an] auction and after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons. An injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player's] home board," the statement said.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Six Retentions, RTM comeback confirmed, Impact Player to continue

Overseas player's auction fee lower to highest retention price or highest auction price at big auction: Retention rule

In addition to the ban, the IPL has introduced measures to regulate player fees in mini-auctions. Overseas players will now be required to register for mega auctions to be eligible for subsequent mini auctions. This rule prevents players from skipping mega auctions to potentially secure higher bids in mini auctions.

The IPL has also implemented a maximum fee for overseas players in mini-auctions. This cap will be set at either the highest retention price of INR 18 crore or the highest auction price from the preceding mega auction, whichever is lower. This measure aims to restrict the inflation of player prices in mini auctions, where teams often pay premium rates to fill specific squad gaps.

These new regulations have come up after record-breaking bids were made in the last auctions. Notable examples include Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who were bought for INR 20.50 crore and INR 24.75 crore respectively in the last auction.