IPL 2025 Mega Auction: 6 retentions allowed, auction purse set at ₹120 crore - All you need to know
The IPL Governing Council on Saturday, September 28, announced the player regulations for 2025 to 2027. Among the major decisions made following a meeting with the owners of the 10 franchises in July include allowing six retentions per side, boosting the auction purse to ₹120 crore, ban on players who pull out after being picked and much more.
There were said to be plenty of detailed discussions on various matters pertaining to the T20 league between IPL franchise owners and the BCCI during the meeting held in July in Mumbai.
Ahead of the official announcement, there was lot of confusion over the number of retentions as well. Some reports claimed that five retentions were allowed, while others put the number as six. There were varying reports over the Right To Match option as well.
The IPL Governing Council met in Bengaluru on Saturday to finalize the IPL Player Regulations 2025-2027. Below are the key takeaways from the rules announced.
Each franchise can retain a maximum of 6 players
Following plenty of suspense and confusion, it can be confirmed now that all 10 IPL franchises can retain six players from their current squads ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The retentions can either be made directly or via the Right to Match option.
Further, the IPL franchises have the option to choose their combination for retentions and RTMs. The rule states that the six retentions/ RTMs can have a maximum of five capped players (Indian & overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped players.
Auction purse for IPL 2025 set at ₹120 crore
The auction purse for franchises has been set at ₹120 crore for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The overall salary cap will now comprise auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees.
For 2024, the total salary cap (auction purse + incremental performance pay) was ₹110 crore. The amount will now be ₹146 crore for (2025), ₹151 crore for 2026 and ₹157 crore for 2027.
Match fees makes its entry into the IPL
One of the big announcements made as part of IPL Player Regulations 2025-2027 is the introduction of match fee, which is a first in the cash-rich Indian T20 league.
In accordance with the new rule, each playing member (Including the Impact Player) will get a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per game. This sum will be in addition to his contract amount. Sharing a post on X regarding the above, BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote:
"In a historic move to celebrate consistency and champion outstanding performances in the #IPL, we are thrilled to introduce a match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game for our cricketers! A cricketer playing all league matches in a season will get Rs. 1.05 crore in addition to his contracted amount."
Describing that a new era has begun for the IPL and the players, he revealed that each franchise will allocate ₹12.60 crore as match fees for the season.
Ban on players who pull out after being picked at auction
The IPL Player Regulations 2025-2027 also confirmed that any player who pulls out of the tournament before the start of the season after being picked at the auction will be banned from participating in the IPL and player auction for two seasons. As per reports, some franchises had recommended harsh penalties for players pulling out just before the start of the T20 league.
Further, the BCCI has also made it clear that overseas players will have to register for the 'Big Auction'. In case, players don’t register, they won't be ineligible to register in the next year’s player auction.
Rule on capped players becoming uncapped returns
The earlier regulation that a capped Indian player will become uncapped if he hasn't played international cricket for the last five years preceding the year in which the IPL season is held is back. Additionally, the player should also not have a central contract with the BCCI.
Following this development, Chennai Super Kings now have the option to retain former captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped Indian player.
Impact Player will continue to make its impact
Last, but not the least, the BCCI has confirmed that the much-debated Impact Player rule will be part of the IPL for the 2025 to 2027 cycle.
There have been mixed reactions to the use of the Impact Player in the IPL. While some feel that it makes the game engaging for viewers, others have opined that the rule takes away the utility of an all-rounder.