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Franchises seem to have questioned the additional advantages granted to the highest bidder in the Right to Match (RTM) process going into the IPL 2025 auction. As per Cricbuzz, franchises argue that this extra opportunity undermines the core concept and logic of the RTM.
Franchises raise questions over Right to Match rule for IPL 2025 auction
In its recent announcement of the retention rules, the BCCI clarified that the highest bidder in the auction will be given an extra chance to increase their bid before the RTM is exercised by the team holding the privilege. The increased bid amount can be of any value, which the entitled team is obligated to match.
As per the new RTM rule, "The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right".
Teams are allowed to bring the Right to Match (RTM) option in action a maximum of six times during the auction, provided they do not retain any players. This includes the option to retain one uncapped player.
"For example, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of Rs. 6 Cr, then Team 1 will be first asked if they will exercise RTM, if Team 1 agrees, then Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to Rs. 9 Cr, then Team 1 can use the RTM and acquire Player X for Rs. 9 Cr. If Team 2 chooses not to raise the bid and keeps it at Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for Rs. 6 Cr," the new RTM rule further read.
Franchises contend that the primary purpose of the Right to Match (RTM) is to determine a player's market value. However, the new rule, which allows the highest bidder to increase their bid arbitrarily, undermines this objective. The BCCI's clarification that the increase can be for any amount further diminishes the significance of incremental bids at this stage. Cricbuzz has reported that several franchises have officially contacted the BCCI, while others are in discussions with its officials.
Critics argue that the new rule could hinder the BCCI's efforts to attract top players to the auction. With retention prices set at INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore for players ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, the BCCI appears to be discouraging franchises from pursuing retention. This new RTM clause may not align with that goal, prompting franchises to consider retaining more players without utilising the RTM option.
