Right to Match can be on cards for IPL player retention policy in 2018 edition

In the recent times, there have been a lot of speculations doing the round about the IPL auctions to be held next year. Some of the reports claimed that all the players will be going into the auction pool next year. Unlike the cases in the previous editions of the tournament, no players will be retained by any of the teams in a case if there is no retention policy.

What this possibly means is that the likes of Lasith Malinga and Virat Kohli, who have been integral parts of the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively, might be seen donning the colors of the other teams in the upcoming season. The different franchises hold different opinions about the same in this regard. The Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta had recently revealed that she is ready for an open auctions.

“It was meant to be an open auction without retention. We have been told about it. I will welcome it if BCCI decides to go for an open auction. It doesn’t mean that I am not happy with my team. I think, we have a great team. The teams which are doing well are the ones where the young Indian players are performing,” Preity had quoted.

However, not all teams are on the same page in this opinion. Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore are keen on retaining players in the auctions next year. The other teams, like the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, and the Kolkata Knight Riders, are in the favor of the option of ‘Right to Match’. The Right to Match could well help the teams save their key players in the auction.

What is Right to Match?

This option permits the team owners to retain their players by matching their listed auction price. Also, the next edition of the IPL will see the Chennai Superkings and Rajasthan Royals make a comeback. CSK is keen on retaining the services of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. However, there are speculations that open auctions might see them start from the scratch in building their team all over again.

CSK and RR are also open to draft system which the Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions had last year. About the retention policies, RR are also open to the option of going for the open auctions.