IPL 2025: Deadline for Submission of Retention List for All Teams Announced

The countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction has officially begun. With new retention rules, an increased auction purse, and a revamped approach to team strategies, excitement is brewing among franchises and fans alike. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced the crucial deadline for franchises to finalize their list of retained players.

BCCI Sets October 31 as the Deadline for Retention List Submission

The BCCI has confirmed that all ten IPL franchises must submit their retention lists by October 31, 2024, at 5 PM IST. This deadline gives teams just enough time to finalize which players they wish to retain and strategize their approach to the 2025 IPL mega auction. The IPL Governing Council’s move aims to streamline the auction process and foster a competitive atmosphere, ensuring each team has ample opportunity to build their core squad.

The retention policy has been a critical component of the IPL for years, allowing franchises to maintain a strong base of players while also bringing in fresh talent. This time, teams have the flexibility to use a mix of regular retentions and Right to Match (RTM) cards to keep up to six players.

Key Retention Rules for IPL 2025

To help teams retain a strong mix of experience and fresh talent, the BCCI has outlined specific retention guidelines for the upcoming season:

1. Maximum Retentions: Each franchise can retain up to six players, either by direct retention or by using the RTM card option.
2. Capped Players: Teams can retain a maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas).
3. Uncapped Players: Teams are allowed to retain a maximum of two uncapped players.
4. Capped Player Definition: A player will be classified as capped if they have represented their country on or before October 31, 2024.
5. Auction Purse: The auction purse for each team has been increased to Rs 120 crore for the 2025 season, giving franchises more financial flexibility.

What is the Right to Match (RTM) Card?

The Right to Match (RTM) card is a useful tool for teams, allowing them to buy back a player during the auction if another team places a successful bid for that player. By using the RTM card, franchises can ensure that key players who fit well into their team culture can continue to be part of the squad, even if they were initially released for the auction.

Retention Strategy: A Balance Between Experience and Youth

The retention process is about making smart decisions—keeping seasoned players who provide experience and leadership while also nurturing young talent who can grow into future stars. Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians have always been good at creating a core group, and this retention policy will further help them maintain stability.

The increased auction purse—now at Rs 120 crore—gives franchises greater leeway to assemble an ideal squad, providing ample opportunity to balance both star players and young talents.

The Importance of the October 31 Deadline

The retention deadline is crucial for all ten franchises, as it determines their strategy heading into the auction. By October 31, franchises must decide on a mix of capped and uncapped players to retain, influencing their ability to build a well-balanced team. Players who are retained will directly impact how much is left in the team’s purse for new signings during the mega auction.

Impact on Players and Teams: A Closer Look

Retaining key players helps teams maintain their core strength, which is essential for building long-term success in the IPL. For example:

• Chennai Super Kings have benefited from consistently retaining MS Dhoni, who has been the backbone of the team, both as captain and a player.
• Mumbai Indians have also seen success in retaining key players such as Rohit Sharma, who played an instrumental role in leading the team to multiple IPL titles.

The ability to retain up to five capped players allows teams to keep their star performers, while also having the flexibility to retain two uncapped players, which gives opportunities to emerging talents. For instance, retaining a young, uncapped fast bowler who has shown promise during the season could be a wise long-term investment for franchises.

What Happens After the Retention Deadline?

Once the retention list is submitted, the teams will begin their preparations for the mega auction, which is likely to be held in November—either from November 16-17 or November 23-24. The auction might take place outside India, with Dubai, Doha, or Saudi Arabia being considered as potential venues.

Auction Purse and Player Fees for IPL 2025

The auction purse for the IPL 2025 season has been increased by INR 20 crore, giving each franchise a budget of Rs 120 crore (approximately USD 14.3 million). Teams are required to spend at least Rs 75 crore to retain five capped players.

Another significant change relates to match fees. All players who participate in the playing eleven will receive a match fee of Rs 7.05 lakh per match. This increase is a significant boost from previous seasons, reflecting the league’s growth and financial prosperity.

Impact Player Rule to Continue

The Impact Player Rule, first introduced in IPL 2023, will continue for the 2025 season. This rule allows teams to replace a player in their starting eleven with a specialist batter or bowler based on match conditions. It has generated much debate and has been largely seen as enhancing the entertainment value of matches, as it allows for strategic shifts during a game.

In a recent meeting with team owners and principals, most franchises supported retaining this rule, citing that it has contributed to more exciting matches and higher scores. This rule is expected to add an extra layer of strategy to the retention process, as teams must consider how their Impact Player choices align with the rest of their squad.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Decisions Ahead

The IPL 2025 retention process is set to be a game-changer, with new rules, a higher auction purse, and an increased focus on retaining a balanced mix of experienced and young players. As the October 31 deadline approaches, each franchise will need to carefully evaluate their player list to ensure that they retain a solid core while leaving room for new signings at the auction.

Teams will need to make smart decisions—balancing big names who can provide leadership and experience with uncapped talents who have the potential to become the stars of tomorrow. With the right strategies, teams can use this retention window to build a strong foundation for the 2025 IPL season.