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The retention policy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) edition has been revealed. As per ESPNCricinfo, each existing franchise will be able to retain a total of four players from their current squad. The franchises have the option to retain a combination of either three Indian and one overseas player or two Indian and overseas players each.
The three Indian retained players can be capped, all uncapped or a mix of both. There will be no Right to Match (RTM) card this time around.
Combination for the new franchises
Furthermore, the two new franchises based in Lucknow and Ahmedabad will have the option of picking three players before the mega auction. The combination for the new entrants will be two Indian and one overseas player. However, it is not yet clear whether the two franchises will have to pick these three players from the existing pool of players or they have the option to pick other players as well. For example, if Ahmedabad want to pick Joe Root, who is not from the current group of players, it is not yet clear whether they will be able to pick him or not.
A player-draft system, which was also used in the 2016 edition during the inclusion of Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions, could come into the picture. It would allow both the new franchises to pick players who have not been retained by the other eight outfits. Pune had bought MS Dhoni by making the largest bid during the auction for the two new franchises.
Increased purse
There is a slight increase in the purse of the franchises for the mega auction. From Rs 85 crore, it has been increased to Rs 90 crore. So far, there is no confirmed date for the auction.
