IPL Mega Auction 2025 Retention Rules: IPL Retention 2025 Date, Player Categories, RTM, Salary Cap & More

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council recently announced new player rules ahead of the forthcoming mega auction for the IPL 2025 season. There were numerous player announcements made for the 18th season. One of the most talked-about changes is the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card, which gives teams a second chance to keep their best players. 

The rules also include increasing the team's purse value and establishing new match fees for each game. The ability to retain up to six players for the following season is a significant change, giving franchises more flexibility in developing their core teams. The team purse has been uplifted to INR 120 crore.

The board has ruled that all Indian players who haven't played any international game for at least five calendar years would be considered “uncapped players”. Regulations were also created for unanticipated pull-outs of international players ahead of the season. Here's the full list of the new player regulations for the IPL 2025.

IPL Mega Auction 2025 Retention Rules

What are the different player categories in the IPL Auction 2025?

In IPL Auction 2025, there are three different player categories, which include, 'Capped, Uncapped, and 'Overseas'

A 'Capped' player is a player who has played in an official international match for their national team. Moreover, an Indian player who has not been part of the playing XI in any international format or has held a BCCI central contract within the last five years is also considered an 'Uncapped' player. An 'Overseas' category player is a player who has not played for India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IPL Auction 2025 and Retention Rules

What is the IPL Retention 2025 Date?

The IPL Retention 2025 date is scheduled for Thursday, October 31 as the deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players.

How does the base price affect bidding in the IPL Auction?

The base price is an amount that the participants decide for themselves. The base price might range from INR 10 lakh to less than INR 2 crore. No player is permitted to bid below the specified price. Historically, capped players who have been part of the international circuit for a long time and have been consistently performing keep their prices on the higher side.

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

What is the Right to Match (RTM) and how can teams use it?

The Right to Match card helps a franchise to keep a player in the auction by matching the highest bid. The RTM option allows a team to buy back a player during the auction by matching the highest bid made by another franchise after the bidding is completed. It was originally used in the 2017 mega auction but was removed before the 2022 mega auction. To help the players, the IPL has updated the rule. According to the new regulation, the highest bidder will be given one final chance to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right.

How many players can a franchise retain before the Auction?

One of the key modifications to the retention rules is that teams can now keep five capped overseas or Indian players and one uncapped player through a mix of retention and the RTM option. Thus, each team can keep a maximum of six players before the auction. However, teams can only keep two uncapped players, and the overall number of retained players cannot exceed six.

What is the Salary Cap for IPL Auction 2025 and why is it important?

If a franchise wants to retain five capped players, for the first three retentions they will need to acquire the services for INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore, and INR 11 crore. For the next two, they have to pay a price of INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore. As for the uncapped players, the IPL has decided on INR 4 crore. The salaries of retained players will be deducted from the total purse of Rs 120 crore.

Salary slab of retained players:

How many players can each team have in their squad?

A franchise should have a minimum of 18 players and a maximum of 25 players in the squad.

How do players register for the IPL Auction?

To register for an IPL auction, a player must go through a standard process. Players must complete a registration form issued by the BCCI. This form asks for personal information, cricket statistics, and auction preferences. After registering, players are added to the auction pool. The BCCI evaluates the applications and categorizes players based on their experience and performance levels. Franchises frequently make direct contact with players during their scouting phase before auctions to secure their services, and may follow the process on behalf of the players.

Also Read: Retention rule change leaves door open for 'uncapped' MS Dhoni in IPL 

What happens to players who go unsold in the IPL Auction?

A player's hopes of playing in the IPL do not close when they are unsold. After the auction, any uncapped player can still be picked up by a franchise. All players who are not picked the first time they are called up will be given another chance. During the accelerated auction, teams can submit a list of players they want to go up for bids again. A few unsold players will receive a second opportunity and be auctioned off later in the day. If the player remains unsold following the IPL auction, they still have a chance to play. An unsold player, or any player who registered for the IPL auction, can be signed by a franchise as an injury substitute for a player before or even during the season.