All You Need to Know About IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The IPL 2025 mega auction is back after a two-year break and promises to bring some exciting changes. Although the exact date and location have not been confirmed, it is expected to take place in November 2025, likely outside India. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia, either Riyadh or Jeddah, may host the auction. Dubai, which held the last mega auction in December 2023, is another option, but the BCCI seems keen on Saudi Arabia this time around.

 

New Player Retention Rules

In a big change, all 10 teams can now retain up to six players. These include five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped Indian players. The uncapped players will be valued at ₹4 crore each and must be from the team’s IPL 2024 squad. The value of the five capped players ranges from ₹18 crore for the most expensive ones down to ₹11 crore.

For example, if Mumbai Indians retain five capped players and one uncapped player, ₹79 crore will be deducted from their ₹120 crore purse. They will then have only ₹41 crore left to build the rest of their team during the auction.

Salary slabs for the five capped retained players:

• Retained Player 1: ₹18 crore
• Retained Player 2: ₹14 crore
• Retained Player 3: ₹11 crore
• Retained Player 4: ₹18 crore
• Retained Player 5: ₹14 crore.

 

RTM (Right to Match) Card Changes

This year, teams retaining six players won’t be allowed to use RTM cards during the auction. However, teams that haven’t retained any players can use up to six RTM cards. An RTM card allows a team to bring back a player they released by matching the highest bid made for that player. But now, if a team uses an RTM card, the team that made the highest bid can increase their offer one more time.

Other Important Rule Changes

The auction also allows teams to retain former Indian international players as uncapped players, but only if they have retired or haven’t played international cricket in five years. Teams must finalize their retained players by October 31, 2024.

There is also a salary cap for overseas players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, based on the highest retention or auction price at the mega auction. Additionally, overseas players who miss a season without valid reasons will be banned for two years. Players who don’t register for this auction will not be able to register for the next one.

Lastly, from the 2025 season onwards, players will receive a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh for every game they play, in addition to their auction salary.

 

With these new rules, the IPL 2025 mega auction promises to bring plenty of excitement and surprises for teams and fans alike!