IPLMega Auctuon 2025: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for an exciting Mega Auction ahead of the 2025 season, with key updates on player retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) card stirring anticipation among fans and teams alike.
What is New in IPL Mega Auction 2025
According to recent reports, IPL franchises will be permitted to retain up to five players and utilize one RTM (Right to Match) card during the highly anticipated Mega Auction, which is slated to take place in November or December this year. These updates were finalized during the IPL Governing Council Meeting held in Bengaluru on Saturday, September 28.
“The IPL franchises can retain up to six players from their current squad. This can be done either through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option,” stated an official IPL release. “Franchises have the flexibility to decide on their combination of Retentions and RTMs. The six-player retention limit can include a maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas) and up to two uncapped players,” the release added.
With multiple combinations available, retention strategies could have varying impacts on each team’s auction purse, depending on the players they choose to retain or match.
Uncapped player rule and MS Dhoni
A notable rule update has been introduced regarding the classification of uncapped players. “An Indian player who is currently capped will be considered uncapped if, in the five calendar years preceding the relevant IPL season, they have not played in the starting XI for India in any International format (Test, ODI, or T20I) or do not hold a central contract with the BCCI,” the IPL confirmed in its release. This rule applies exclusively to Indian players.
This change opens the door for players like MS Dhoni, who last represented India in 2019, to be categorized as an uncapped player when their franchise decides on retention or selection during the auction.
Foreign players Availability
One of the key concerns raised by team owners revolves around overseas players exploiting the auction system. In recent years, some players have either withdrawn at the last moment or made themselves available only for smaller auctions, seeking higher paychecks. To address this issue, two significant decisions have been made, including a potential two-season ban for offenders.
The IPL’s statement outlines:
1. “Any overseas player must register for the Big Auction. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for the following year’s player auction.”
2. “If a player registers for the auction and, after being picked, makes themselves unavailable before the season begins, they will face a two-season ban from participating in both the tournament and future auctions.”
These measures are aimed at curbing such practices and ensuring a more transparent auction process.
Impact Player Rule
The Impact Player rule is confirmed to remain in place until 2027. Despite being scrutinised by various stakeholders, the rule was revisited during the IPL Governing Council meeting. However, no official reasons were provided for the decision to extend its implementation. This rule, introduced to add flexibility and strategy to team compositions, will continue to be a part of the IPL format for the next few seasons.
Auction Purse and Match fee for players
The auction purse for each franchise has been increased by 20% and is expected to rise further in the coming years. For the IPL 2025 auction, the purse is set at INR 120 crore. “The total salary cap will now comprise the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees. Previously in 2024, the total salary cap (auction purse + incremental performance pay) was Rs. 110 crore, which will now be Rs. 146 crore for 2025, Rs. 151 crore for 2026, and Rs. 157 crore for 2027,” stated a BCCI release.
Additionally, the newly introduced match fee structure aims to benefit players participating in all league games. Players will now receive a match fee of INR 7.5 lakh per game, on top of their contracted amount.
