The BCCI has announced new retention rules for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, capping the number of players a franchise can retain. Teams can keep a maximum of six players, including up to five capped players and two uncapped players. While retaining an uncapped player will cost franchises Rs 4 crore, retaining a capped player now comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 11 crore.
Several players who were uncapped in the IPL 2024 season have now earned their India cap, increasing their retention value significantly. Here are five such players who will cost franchises Rs 11 crore for retention.
1. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Abhishek Sharma had an excellent run in IPL 2024, and his efforts earned him a spot in the Indian team during the Zimbabwe tour. In 2022, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for Rs 6.5 crore, but with his recent India debut, retaining him for IPL 2025 will now cost the team a steep Rs 11 crore. Without the India cap, the retention cost would have been Rs 4 crore, making this an expensive decision for Hyderabad.
2. Nitish Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Another rising star from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Nitish Reddy made his T20I debut against Bangladesh, officially becoming a capped player. Reddy was a bargain for Hyderabad in the previous season, bought for just Rs 20 lakh. However, his India debut means that retaining him now will cost Hyderabad Rs 11 crore instead of the Rs 4 crore that would have been applicable if he remained uncapped.
3. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)
Riyan Parag, who has been part of the IPL since 2018, finally had a breakthrough season in IPL 2024. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Indian team, making him a capped player. Rajasthan Royals, who have shown faith in Parag despite his earlier struggles, will now need to shell out Rs 11 crore if they wish to retain the all-rounder for IPL 2025.
4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)
Mayank Yadav impressed everyone with his express pace in his IPL debut and soon after earned his place in the Indian team. Despite being sidelined due to injury for the Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka series, Yadav made his debut against Bangladesh. Now, Lucknow Super Giants will have to pay Rs 11 crore if they want to retain the speedster for the upcoming season.
5. Tushar Deshpande (Chennai Super Kings)
Tushar Deshpande has been a key bowler for Chennai Super Kings for two seasons, even earning the Purple Cap multiple times during IPL 2024. His consistent performances led to his India debut in Zimbabwe. As a result, Deshpande is no longer eligible for uncapped retention and will now cost Chennai a minimum of Rs 11 crore if they wish to keep him for IPL 2025.
These players’ India debuts have not only raised their profiles but also significantly increased the financial stakes for their franchises. The decision to retain them will now come at a much higher cost, and teams will need to carefully consider their retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
