The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced significant changes for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, including new player retention rules, an increase in the auction purse, and several other important updates. The changes were announced following the IPL Governing Council meeting held on September 28, 2024. These new rules are set to change how franchises approach the 2025 IPL season, offering more flexibility and bigger financial opportunities.
Here are the key highlights of the new rules for IPL 2025:
1. Player Retention Increased to 6 Players
In a major update, BCCI has allowed franchises to retain up to six players from their existing squads for IPL 2025. This is an increase from the previous limit of four players. However, out of the six players, a maximum of five players can be capped (Indian or foreign), while up to two players can be uncapped. This change allows teams to keep more of their core players without the risk of losing them in the auction.
2. Flexible Retention Options
The franchises now have the option to either directly retain all six players or use a combination of direct retention and the Right to Match (RTM) card during the mega auction. Franchises can choose to retain some players directly and bid for others using the RTM card, allowing them to adjust their strategy during the auction.
3. Match Fees for Players
For the first time in IPL history, players will be paid match fees for every game they play. Each player in the playing eleven, including impact players, will receive Rs 7.5 lakh per match. Franchises will need to set aside Rs 12.6 crore annually for this, which will be separate from the auction purse. This ensures that players are rewarded for their on-field contributions beyond their contract salary.
4. Auction Purse Increased to Rs 120 Crore
The IPL auction purse has been significantly increased for the 2025 season, rising from Rs 100 crore to Rs 120 crore. In addition to this, the total salary cap, which includes the auction purse and incremental performance pay, has been raised from Rs 110 crore to Rs 146 crore. This will further increase to Rs 151 crore in 2026 and Rs 157 crore in 2027, providing franchises with more financial power to secure top players.
5. Impact Player Rule to Continue
Despite some controversies, the BCCI has decided to retain the impact player rule, which allows teams to make strategic substitutions during a match. This rule, which was introduced in IPL 2023, will continue through the 2027 season. The rule has added a new tactical dimension to the game, giving teams more flexibility in their playing strategies.
6. Crackdown on Foreign Players
The BCCI has introduced stricter regulations for foreign players participating in IPL. Now, foreign players must register for the mega auction if they wish to play in the IPL, even if they only intend to participate in the mini auction. If they fail to register for the mega auction, they will not be eligible for the mini auction, ensuring more commitment from international players.
7. Ban on Player Withdrawals
One of the biggest complaints from franchise owners has been the sudden withdrawal of players after being bought in the auction. To address this, the BCCI has implemented a new rule: any player who withdraws from the tournament after being purchased in the auction will be banned from the IPL for the next two seasons. This ensures that franchises do not lose their investment in players who pull out just before the season starts.
8. Capped Players Considered Uncapped
In a unique addition, BCCI has also introduced a rule that allows certain capped players to be considered uncapped. Any Indian player who has not been part of the playing eleven in any international format for the past five years, or who is not included in the BCCI’s central contract, will now be classified as an uncapped player. This provides more retention flexibility for franchises looking to hold onto experienced players who may no longer be active in the international arena.
These new rules offer a more flexible and financially rewarding structure for franchises and players alike, making IPL 2025 one of the most anticipated seasons in recent history. Fans can look forward to seeing how these changes will affect team dynamics and the overall competition in the tournament.
