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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 might be in full swing, but behind the scenes, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already begun informal discussions with franchise owners regarding changes for the upcoming mega-auction later this year. According to a report in The Times of India (TOI), a key topic of conversation is player retention.
Franchises to allowed to retain eight players?
Currently, teams can retain a maximum of four players, including two foreigners, before the mega-auction. They also have the option to use a 'Right-to-Match' card to retain one additional player. However, a majority of franchises seem to be advocating for an increase in the number of players they can retain. The IPL 2025 mega auction might see franchisees retaining eight players instead of four.
“Things are at a very nascent stage. The board is seeking recommendations to carry the league forward. Player- retention is a major factor in that. Going by the informal discussions, the majority of franchises are in favour of having a provision where they can retain about eight players before the auction”, a source privy to the development told TOI.
Franchise owners are divided on a proposal to increase player retention limits ahead of the IPL mega-auction later this year. According to a source, some owners believe a higher retention limit would allow teams to maintain a strong core group of players, fostering continuity and success. They argue that frequent squad shake-ups disrupt team chemistry.
However, not all owners are on board. The source indicated there have been objections to the proposal, with details still under discussion. One point not yet addressed is whether the limit on retaining overseas players would also be raised.
Salary Cap might also increase
Another topic of discussion was the salary cap. Some owners are advocating for a 10 crore increase, bringing the total to 100 crores INR. This would provide teams with more financial flexibility when building their squads.
The upcoming mega-auction represents a crucial opportunity for franchises to acquire top talent and establish a core group of players who can be the foundation of future success. The decisions made regarding player retention and salary caps will be instrumental in shaping the landscape of the IPL for years to come.
The proposal for increased player retention highlights the importance of building a strong core team. Franchises like Rajasthan Royals (RR) exemplify the benefits of this approach. In the 2022 auctions, they made a fresh start with Sanju Samson as captain. This was followed by strategic signings of established players like Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Trent Boult, along with talented youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has blossomed into a key member of the Indian national team. This focus on continuity has paid off, with RR establishing a strong core that has consistently challenged for success.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals (DC) offer a cautionary tale. They previously boasted a well-balanced squad with a mix of homegrown talent and international stars, even reaching the IPL finals in 2020. However, following the mega-auction, they haven't been able to replicate that formula. Frequent roster changes have disrupted team chemistry, leading to a string of underwhelming performances. This contrasting narrative underscores the importance of retaining a core group of players who can provide stability and foster long-term success.
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