The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auctions are fast approaching as franchises get ready to stamp their authority for the upcoming season. While the on-field battle begins not before March 2025, the off-field battle is taking shape after the IPL governing council announced the retention rules on Saturday (Sep 28). The IPL governing council has now also set a deadline of October 31 for the franchises to finalise the player retentions for the next three years.

<h2>Franchises to retain players before October 31</h2>

After the IPL governing council announced the rules for player retentions, they are ready to go forward with the next step, which will be the IPL mega-auctions likely to take place in November. The franchises will have until entire month of October to decide on players they want to release for the auctions and ones they want to keep.

"It is at the discretion of the IPL franchise to choose their combination for retentions and RTMs," the IPL release said. "The six retentions/RTMs can have a maximum of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped players."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-ms-dhoni-to-be-retained-as-uncapped-player-by-csk-heres-what-we-know-762893">IPL: MS Dhoni to be retained as UNCAPPED player by CSK? Here's what we know</a>

Once the retention is finalised, IPL governing council will be ready to go forward with the mega-auctions process and finalise the list of players. More than 500 and close to 600 players could be part of the mega-auctions but the final figure and names will be confirmed only when all the franchise announce their retentions.

<h2>When are the mega auctions?</h2>

Yet to be confirmed, the IPL mega-auctions could take place in the third or fourth week of November. As expected, it will be a two-day auctions process with hundreds of players going under the hammer. Like IPL 2024 mini auctions, the mega auctions for this season is also expected to be held overseas, with the United Kingdom being one of the names in the hat.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auctions are fast approaching as franchises get ready to stamp their authority for the upcoming season. While the on-field battle begins not before March 2025, the off-field battle is taking shape after the IPL governing council announced the retention rules on Saturday (Sep 28).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auctions are fast approaching as franchises get ready to stamp their authority for the upcoming season. While the on-field battle begins not before March 2025, the off-field battle is taking shape after the IPL governing council announced the retention rules on Saturday (Sep 28). The IPL governing council has now also set a deadline of October 31 for the franchises to finalise the player retentions for the next three years. Franchises to retain players before October 31 After the IPL governing council announced the rules for player retentions, they are ready to go forward with the next step, which will be the IPL mega-auctions likely to take place in November. The franchises will have until entire month of October to decide on players they want to release for the auctions and ones they want to keep. "It is at the discretion of the IPL franchise to choose their combination for retentions and RTMs," the IPL release said. "The six retentions/RTMs can have a maximum of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped players." ALSO READ | IPL: MS Dhoni to be retained as UNCAPPED player by CSK? Here's what we know Once the retention is finalised, IPL governing council will be ready to go forward with the mega-auctions process and finalise the list of players. More than 500 and close to 600 players could be part of the mega-auctions but the final figure and names will be confirmed only when all the franchise announce their retentions. When are the mega auctions? Yet to be confirmed, the IPL mega-auctions could take place in the third or fourth week of November. As expected, it will be a two-day auctions process with hundreds of players going under the hammer. Like IPL 2024 mini auctions, the mega auctions for this season is also expected to be held overseas, with the United Kingdom being one of the names in the hat.

IPL governing council sets October 31 as deadline for player retentions

Former India great and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni awaits changes in the revised ‘IPL retention policy’ before taking a final call on his future in the cash-rich league.&nbsp;

Following the much-talked-about governing council meeting late on Wednesday night (July 31) in Mumbai, the BCCI and IPL will come out with the final decision on the players’ retention and the future of the mega auction sooner. Dhoni, who turned 43 in July this year, says he has time and several factors to consider before going public with his decision.

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"There is a lot of time for it," Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.

"So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the BCCI met IPL franchise owners and other stakeholders to discuss several topics, with the agenda including discussions on the future of the Impact Player rule, which the BCCI introduced in 2022; how many player retentions should happen and how often should a mega auction take place?

Considering MS Dhoni’s age and reflexes, which looks far from diminishing, he used the Impact Player Rule to his advantage in IPL 2024. With the latest reports suggesting that some team owners have urged the board to scrap this rule, Dhoni’s future could hang in limbo.

<h2>Time is inching closer</h2>

Just before the start of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni relinquished the CSK captaincy, handing over the baton to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. That step, however, cleared some air over Dhoni’s IPL future, with everyone anticipating the end of his cricketing career.&nbsp;

However, with Dhoni showing a willingness to continue being part of the squad for perhaps one more season, eyeing his record sixth IPL trophy, the chances of him staying around are also there.

In IPL 2024, Dhoni made headlines for smashing humongous sixes, bashing 13 and 14 fours, respectively. His strike rate of 220.54 was enough to keep CSK in the playoff race until they lost an away thriller to bow out of the tournament.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is an IPL legend. In 264 contested matches, he scored 5243 runs, striking at over 137. Dhoni had led CSK to joint-most five IPL trophies, last won in 2023.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former India great and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni awaits changes in the revised ‘IPL retention policy’ before taking a final call on his future in the cash-rich league.

Former India great and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni awaits changes in the revised ‘IPL retention policy’ before taking a final call on his future in the cash-rich league. Following the much-talked-about governing council meeting late on Wednesday night (July 31) in Mumbai, the BCCI and IPL will come out with the final decision on the players’ retention and the future of the mega auction sooner. Dhoni, who turned 43 in July this year, says he has time and several factors to consider before going public with his decision. ALSO READ: Pathirana, Madushanka ruled out of India ODIs with injuries as Sri Lanka run out of pace options "There is a lot of time for it," Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court. "So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team,” he continued. Meanwhile, the BCCI met IPL franchise owners and other stakeholders to discuss several topics, with the agenda including discussions on the future of the Impact Player rule, which the BCCI introduced in 2022; how many player retentions should happen and how often should a mega auction take place? Considering MS Dhoni’s age and reflexes, which looks far from diminishing, he used the Impact Player Rule to his advantage in IPL 2024. With the latest reports suggesting that some team owners have urged the board to scrap this rule, Dhoni’s future could hang in limbo. Time is inching closer Just before the start of IPL 2024, MS Dhoni relinquished the CSK captaincy, handing over the baton to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. That step, however, cleared some air over Dhoni’s IPL future, with everyone anticipating the end of his cricketing career. However, with Dhoni showing a willingness to continue being part of the squad for perhaps one more season, eyeing his record sixth IPL trophy, the chances of him staying around are also there. In IPL 2024, Dhoni made headlines for smashing humongous sixes, bashing 13 and 14 fours, respectively. His strike rate of 220.54 was enough to keep CSK in the playoff race until they lost an away thriller to bow out of the tournament. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is an IPL legend. In 264 contested matches, he scored 5243 runs, striking at over 137. Dhoni had led CSK to joint-most five IPL trophies, last won in 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

MS Dhoni waiting for revised ‘retention policies’ to decide on IPL future

The BCCI officials and IPL team owners will meet on July 31 to decide the number of player retentions and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction. Per the latest reports, the date is finalised; however, the venue is yet to be decided, with the Cricket Centre located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai expected to host the high-profile meet.

As reported by Cricbuzz, IPL CEO Hemang Amin sent text messages to all team owners on Thursday morning (July 25), informing them about the date and time of the meeting, adding that the formal invitation would soon follow.&nbsp;

Amin informed all that the meeting could be held late afternoon or evening on July 31, with all team owners said to have confirmed their availability.

However, following suggestions from everyone for the number of player retentions, the board has decided to keep the number low in everyone’s interest.

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Although some owners asked for the number to be seven or eight, others opposed the idea, arguing retentions shouldn’t be allowed as every franchise must structure their teams from scratch. The reports suggest that the board wants to keep the player retentions at&nbsp;five or six.

The major reason why the board is not keen on increasing the number is that it reduces the auction’s excitement. In the case of BCCI allowing eight retentions, at least 80 top players worldwide, including Indian cricketers, will be out of the auction, making it a lacklustre affair.&nbsp;

The top-performing teams asked for seven or eight retentions to maintain the continuity within the team, as core players play a huge role in brand and image building.

Considering IPL’s growth, the BCCI is happy to keep an average number of five or six.

<h2>Everyone undecided on RTM</h2>

RTM is one of the two agendas that will be discussed, with everyone involved remaining undecided on it till now. Although during the last mega auction in 2021, the RTM was not part of it, the BCCI is said to have decided on what to convey and discuss.

With plenty at stake, the BCCI has a role in balancing between taking calls on the player's retentions and RTM and keeping all the franchises on the same page.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The BCCI officials and IPL team owners will meet on July 31 to decide the number of player retentions and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction. Per the latest reports, the date is finalised; however, the venue is yet to be decided, with the Cricket Centre located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai expected to host the high-profile meet.

The BCCI officials and IPL team owners will meet on July 31 to decide the number of player retentions and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction. Per the latest reports, the date is finalised; however, the venue is yet to be decided, with the Cricket Centre located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai expected to host the high-profile meet. As reported by Cricbuzz, IPL CEO Hemang Amin sent text messages to all team owners on Thursday morning (July 25), informing them about the date and time of the meeting, adding that the formal invitation would soon follow. Amin informed all that the meeting could be held late afternoon or evening on July 31, with all team owners said to have confirmed their availability. However, following suggestions from everyone for the number of player retentions, the board has decided to keep the number low in everyone’s interest. ALSO READ: SL v IND 2024: SL seamer Nuwan Thushara to miss India T20Is with broken finger, Chameera also ruled out Although some owners asked for the number to be seven or eight, others opposed the idea, arguing retentions shouldn’t be allowed as every franchise must structure their teams from scratch. The reports suggest that the board wants to keep the player retentions at five or six. The major reason why the board is not keen on increasing the number is that it reduces the auction’s excitement. In the case of BCCI allowing eight retentions, at least 80 top players worldwide, including Indian cricketers, will be out of the auction, making it a lacklustre affair. The top-performing teams asked for seven or eight retentions to maintain the continuity within the team, as core players play a huge role in brand and image building. Considering IPL’s growth, the BCCI is happy to keep an average number of five or six. Everyone undecided on RTM RTM is one of the two agendas that will be discussed, with everyone involved remaining undecided on it till now. Although during the last mega auction in 2021, the RTM was not part of it, the BCCI is said to have decided on what to convey and discuss. With plenty at stake, the BCCI has a role in balancing between taking calls on the player's retentions and RTM and keeping all the franchises on the same page. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL Auction: BCCI, team owners to meet on July 31 with player retentions, RTM on discussion agenda

The time has come for all the IPL team owners and the BCCI to sit and discuss the much-awaited topics - player retention and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction. Per the latest reports, all stakeholders will meet on July 30 or 31 in Mumbai to discuss the key factors that are significant in deciding the tournament and franchises’ fate.&nbsp;

Although such meetings happen at a five-star hotel, the BCCI has invited all the owners to their newly refurbished office inside the Wankhede Stadium complex this time.

Considering the complex model of player retention at IPL auctions, there have been different views on the same. Some top-performing teams have pushed for the number to increase to as many as eight (from the earlier four), with an eye on maintaining the continuation since they have an established fan base.

Such teams argue that for them to maintain fan engagement and brand building, they need to build a team around such players who were and will remain an integral part of the franchise’s image worldwide.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-delhi-capitals-plots-rishabh-pants-trade-to-csk-kl-rahul-to-leave-lsg-for-ex-franchise-reports-742753">IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals plots Rishabh Pant’s trade to CSK; KL Rahul to leave LSG for ex-franchise - Reports</a>

On the contrary, there have been franchises that want player retentions to be minimal, pushing for a whole new setup and group to begin the next season with. Besides, there is also a debate about whether the Right to Match (RTM) should be permitted. As per earlier reports, the IPL CEO Hemang Amin spoke with each team owner and their representatives earlier this month, to get an idea of how to formulate these two key factors.

<h2>Salary cap and retention value</h2>

The salary cap for each team might also increase to $14.3m (INR 120 crore) in the first year of the next three-year cycle. Also, all stakeholders will discuss the retention value of each player.&nbsp;

During the previous cycle, the salary of the top-retained player was about 16-17% of the salary cap, which makes it $1.8m (INR 15 crore) in a salary cap of $10.8m (INR 90 crore).&nbsp;

However, if everything goes according to the plan and the BCCI decides to raise the salary cap, each of the top-retained players from every franchise will pocket $2.3m (INR 20 crore).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports are doing the rounds suggesting that Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant could join Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025 while batting mainstay KL Rahul could leave Lucknow Super Giants for his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru from next season onwards.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The time has come for all the IPL team owners and the BCCI to sit and discuss the much-awaited topics - player retention and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction.

The time has come for all the IPL team owners and the BCCI to sit and discuss the much-awaited topics - player retention and Right to Match (RTM) ahead of the mega auction. Per the latest reports, all stakeholders will meet on July 30 or 31 in Mumbai to discuss the key factors that are significant in deciding the tournament and franchises’ fate. Although such meetings happen at a five-star hotel, the BCCI has invited all the owners to their newly refurbished office inside the Wankhede Stadium complex this time. Considering the complex model of player retention at IPL auctions, there have been different views on the same. Some top-performing teams have pushed for the number to increase to as many as eight (from the earlier four), with an eye on maintaining the continuation since they have an established fan base. Such teams argue that for them to maintain fan engagement and brand building, they need to build a team around such players who were and will remain an integral part of the franchise’s image worldwide. ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals plots Rishabh Pant’s trade to CSK; KL Rahul to leave LSG for ex-franchise - Reports On the contrary, there have been franchises that want player retentions to be minimal, pushing for a whole new setup and group to begin the next season with. Besides, there is also a debate about whether the Right to Match (RTM) should be permitted. As per earlier reports, the IPL CEO Hemang Amin spoke with each team owner and their representatives earlier this month, to get an idea of how to formulate these two key factors. Salary cap and retention value The salary cap for each team might also increase to $14.3m (INR 120 crore) in the first year of the next three-year cycle. Also, all stakeholders will discuss the retention value of each player. During the previous cycle, the salary of the top-retained player was about 16-17% of the salary cap, which makes it $1.8m (INR 15 crore) in a salary cap of $10.8m (INR 90 crore). However, if everything goes according to the plan and the BCCI decides to raise the salary cap, each of the top-retained players from every franchise will pocket $2.3m (INR 20 crore). Meanwhile, reports are doing the rounds suggesting that Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant could join Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025 while batting mainstay KL Rahul could leave Lucknow Super Giants for his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru from next season onwards. (With inputs from agencies)

Player retention, Right to Match on agenda as BCCI and IPL owners to meet in July end