IPL 2025 Auction: Player retention rules and RTM, match bonus, fund details and much more.

I Indian Premier League (IPL) The Governing Council (GC) introduced several major changes on Saturday, September 28, that will change the nature of the IPL 2025 season. These include new guidelines on player retention, Right to Match (RTM) options, auction rules, game fees, and salary cap increases. These changes are intended to provide more flexibility to franchises while maintaining fair competition throughout the league.

Player retention and RTM rules

In a major change for the 2025 season, the IPL has announced that franchises can retain up to six players, using direct retention or RTM options. This new policy gives teams more strategic flexibility in deciding which players to stick with. According to the official IPL statement, “Franchises have the option to retain as many as six players either directly or through RTM.” Of these six retained players, five are uncapped, meaning they may represent their country at international level, while up to two may be uncapped players who are yet to make their international debut.

This change allows franchises to strike a balance between retaining experienced players and giving emerging talents a chance. With a mix of capped and uncapped players, teams can maintain a competitive edge while managing their auction budget. However, the number and type of retained players will have a direct impact on the auction fund, meaning that the financial performance of each team will vary greatly. For example, if a franchise decides to retain five players and one uncapped player, they will lose a minimum of INR 79 crore from their auction fund, which has greatly hampered their ability to bid for other top players during the auction.

The auction fund increased in 2025

Another big announcement is the increase in the auction fund, which has increased by 20% compared to previous years. For IPL 2025, each franchise will now have INR 120 crore available for auction, a significant increase from INR 100 crore available earlier. The move aims to encourage a more competitive auction, with teams having the resources to bid more marquee players.

Additionally, each team’s total salary now includes not only the auction fund but also increased performance fees and match fees. A BCCI release said, “The new salary for 2025 will be INR 146 crore, which will increase to INR 151 crore in 2026 and further to INR 157 crore in 2027.” This increase is designed to reflect the growing revenue and popularity of the IPL, ensuring that players are compensated fairly. A higher salary also allows teams to balance retaining top talent while being able to bring in promising newcomers to strengthen their teams.

Changes to player rules not included

A significant change was made regarding who qualifies as an uncapped player. Earlier, any player who represented India at the international level was considered a four-cap player. Now, according to the new guidelines, “An Indian player will be considered non-playing if he has not played in the starting XI in any international match—Test, ODI, or T20I—within the last five years or does not have an intermediate contract with the BCCI.” This new condition will be applicable to Indian players only.

This rule provides a new opportunity for veteran players MS Dhoniwho last played for India in 2019, to be considered as a non-player during the retention process. It offers flexibility to clubs who are interested in retaining popular players who may no longer be in international contention but still hold great value due to their IPL experience and leadership qualities. It also helps these veteran players remain attractive assets in the auction market.

Foreign player availability and auction compliance

A major concern expressed by club owners has been the behavior of overseas players in the auction process. In recent seasons, some international players have been manipulating the process by pulling out at the last minute or making themselves available only for small auctions, thereby demanding higher paychecks. To deal with this issue, the IPL GC has introduced strict rules to ensure compliance and curb such practices.

The first rule states that all international players must be registered in the main auction in order to be eligible to participate. Any player who fails to do so will not be allowed to register for the following year’s auction. Second, if a player registers for the auction and is selected by the franchise, but makes himself unavailable without a valid reason before the start of the season, he will be banned from participating in the IPL for the next two seasons.

However, it will be reserved for players who withdraw due to proven medical reasons, confirmed by their respective cricket boards. These new guidelines are intended to bring stability to franchise teams and reduce disruptions caused by last-minute player withdrawals.

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Impact player rule to continue?

The controversial “Impact Player” rule, introduced in recent seasons, is scheduled to continue until at least 2027. The rule has been praised and criticized, with some questioning its impact on the competitive balance of matches. Despite this, the IPL GC has decided to maintain this rule, as no changes have been officially announced. The “Impact Player” rule allows teams to substitute one player at any stage during the game, which can significantly change the outcome of the game. Its continuation shows the league’s commitment to keeping the format flexible and allowing franchises more tactical options during games.

The concept of player loan has been restored

Another notable update is the return of the “player loan” concept. This system allows franchises to loan players to other teams, potentially providing a solution for teams that have many high quality players in certain positions while other teams are facing shortages. In previous seasons, this rule was not used, as franchises were reluctant to loan their players to their competitors. However, reinstatement provides an important option for teams to explore, especially in cases where injuries or other problems create gaps in their team. Whether this concept will pay off in IPL 2025 remains to be seen.

Introduction of in-game funds for players

In a move aimed at benefiting the players, the IPL has introduced a match fee of INR 7.5 lakh per match played, in addition to the salaries of the contracted players. This new match fee is particularly beneficial for players who take part in all league matches, ensuring that they are rewarded not only for being part of the squad but also for their stay on the pitch. This additional financial incentive can encourage players to stay fit and push for more game time, adding value to themselves and their franchises. It also honors the effort and commitment the players make to perform at their best throughout the grueling IPL season.

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