IPL Franchises Propose Changes for 2025 Season
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have presented a series of suggestions to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in preparation for the IPL 2025 season. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, these franchises are advocating for a shift in the timing of mega auctions and adjustments in player retention policies.
Proposal for Mega Auctions Every Five Years
Currently, the IPL conducts mega auctions every three years. However, franchises have proposed extending this period to five years. The last mega auction was held in 2022, with the next scheduled for 2025. A senior franchise official emphasized that this change would help teams develop younger players, particularly uncapped Indian talents. It would also reduce the risk of losing developed players to other teams, a concern under the three-year cycle.
Right to Match (RTM) Cards and Player Retentions
Franchises have also suggested increasing the number of Right to Match (RTM) cards to eight per team. This proposal includes retaining up to four to six players, with at least one likely being the team captain. There is also a mixed reception to a more radical suggestion where franchises could retain no players directly but have up to eight RTM cards instead. The RTM option was notably absent in the 2022 auction, to give new teams, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, a larger pool of players to choose from.
Direct Renegotiation of Player Salaries
Another proposal on the table is allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would enable teams to maintain their core group of players and offer better terms to those who were previously bought at lower or base prices. This flexibility could help franchises retain key players and manage their team composition more effectively.
These suggestions reflect the evolving strategies of IPL franchises as they seek to optimize team performance and player development within the league’s structure. The BCCI’s response to these proposals will likely shape the future dynamics of the IPL.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)