Reports: Twist in retention rules as franchises can use INR 75 crore cap as they wish

Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, there have been several discussions and rule changes involving the retention policy for the franchises. It is worth noting that the BCCI announced that INR 18 crore will be the slab for every franchise’s first retention ahead of the auction. 

However, there seems to be a twist in the tale after reports of Sunrisers Hyderabad retaining Heinrich Klaasen for INR 23 crore emerged. The amount would be INR 5 crore more than the slab limit. The reports have suggested that a franchise can retain a player for more than the set slab as long as the total amount of that many players is equal to or less than INR 75 crore retained purse (considering five players are retained).

It is worth noting that according to the retention rules, an IPL franchise can retain their first capped player for INR 18 crore, the second capped player for INR 14 crore, the third capped player for INR 11 crore, and the fourth for INR 18 crore, the fifth for INR 14 crore and the uncapped Indian for INR 4 crore. But, reports have stated that a franchise can distribute that money however they like. 

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad set to retain Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma

"Retention deduction of overall amount instead of fee per player, in this case of 75 Crs irrespective of what amount is paid to 5 players. If the total amount exceeds 75 Crs then actual amount to be deducted. In case the amount is less than 75 Crs then 75 Crs to be deducted," the rule stated.

Notably, even if a franchise retains their five designated players for less than INR 75 crore, the designated amount will still be deducted. However, the ability to freely distribute the money for the retained players could prove to be a huge boost for the franchises. 

However, it is yet to be seen how the various teams make use of the policies put in place as the fans wait in anticipation to see which players get retained ahead of the auction.