The excitement for IPL 2025 is building up, with talk about venues and player transfers. But before that, the big focus is on the mega auction.
The two-day event is hinted by the BCCI to be held in November or December, possibly in the United Arab Emirates.
Now, the question is: when will the mega auction take place, and what will the rules be? With all this buzz, what new rule changes or surprises might be coming? Let’s explore.
IPL Retention Policy
All eyes are on the BCCI, waiting for the retention policy to be announced. As of now, BCCI allows each franchise to retain a total of 4 players who played for them last year.
The IPL auction allows teams to start fresh. New coaches are introduced every season for a fresh perspective. However, teams also crave continuity.
Will the BCCI stick with the 3+1 retention rule in the mega auction, or will they allow teams to keep more than four players?
No final decision has been made yet but it has been speculated that ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, BCCI is reportedly set to permit up to six players for each franchise in the Indian Premier League.
The rule will likely include four direct retentions and two Right to Match (RTM) cards.
This new retention policy will allow teams to safeguard the core of their existing squads, providing continuity and strategic stability for the upcoming season.
“There will be some changes, but we all want to keep the core players,” says a team official from a franchise known for rebuilding often.
One of the top IPL teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad are reportedly pressing the BCCI for an increase in player retention as they want to retain their key players after an impressive showcase in IPL 2024.
Key Players
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is one of the key players to reportedly switch teams this season.
After Rohit was sacked as captain of the Mumbai Indians at IPL 2024 and Hardik took the lead, Rohit might look to play for a different side. The upcoming auction will reveal the details.
K.L. Rahul
It’s probable now that Lucknow Super Kings want a new captain. KL Rahul’s style of play and struggles to control the game have caused issues.
He’s also no longer part of India’s T20I squad. Some speculate that Rahul might return to his hometown team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy shone in the 2024 IPL, winning the Emerging Player award with 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92.
Despite his impressive play, the Sunrisers Hyderabad may not retain him due to a lack of retention slots. Australian opener Travis Head and captain Pat Cummins, who led the team to the final, are likely priorities.
Though dropping Nitish would surprise many, SRH might opt for more experienced players to build a balanced squad in the 2025 auction.
P.S.
For more news related to the IPL 2025 auction, stay hooked to this space.
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