Ahead of the 2025 player auction, IPL franchises have submitted a wishlist of significant changes to the player retention system, with a focus on creating more stability and fostering long-term team building.
Extending the Mega Auction Cycle
One of the key proposals involves extending the gap between mega auctions from the current three years to five years. Franchise officials believe this extended cycle would allow teams to invest more heavily in developing young talent, particularly uncapped Indian players. Academies set up by franchises focus on identifying and nurturing grassroots talent, and a longer window between auctions would incentivize this investment by reducing the risk of losing homegrown players to other franchises during frequent auctions.
The concept isn’t entirely new to the IPL. The league previously experimented with four-year cycles between mega auctions in 2011-2014 and 2018-2021. On both occasions, franchises were allowed to extend player contracts by a year to compensate for the extended cycle.
In conjunction with the proposed five-year auction cycle, franchises have suggested the ability to renegotiate player salaries directly during the intervening period. This would give teams the flexibility to retain core players and adjust contracts for those who have significantly increased their value since being bought at a lower price in previous auctions. Transparency would be maintained as all new contracts would be declared to the IPL.
Revamping the Right-To-Match (RTM) System
Another proposal involves revising the RTM system. One suggestion involves allowing teams to retain a single marquee player, potentially the captain, with the remaining slots filled through RTM options. This approach aims to strike a balance between allowing the market to determine a player’s value and preventing potential frustration among players retained before the auction if RTM players end up attracting higher bids.
An alternative suggestion involves maintaining a combination of player retention and RTM options, similar to the system used in the 2018 mega auction. However, some franchises expressed concerns about this approach, fearing it could lead to discontent among players retained before the auction if RTM players command higher prices.
Finding the Optimal Balance
A major challenge lies in addressing the situation of players, particularly uncapped finds, who have significantly increased their value since being bought at a low price. While such players deserve a chance to command a higher salary in the auction, franchises naturally want to retain players they’ve invested in developing.
One solution proposed involves eliminating player retentions altogether and granting eight RTM options per team. This proposal received mixed reactions, with some franchises appreciating the level playing field it creates, while others expressed a reluctance to risk losing their star players in the auction pool.
Building Fan Loyalty Through Team Stability
A critical point emphasized by franchises is the importance of fostering long-term fan loyalty. Frequent squad overhauls due to the current three-year auction cycle can make it difficult for fans to connect with the team and its players.
Officials believe that extending the auction cycle and allowing for better player retention strategies are crucial steps towards cultivating stronger fan engagement.
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