July 31 is set to be a landmark day for the Indian Premier League as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meets with IPL franchise owners to discuss major decisions for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Key topics on the agenda include the Right to Match (RTM) cards and the number of players teams can retain. Among these discussions, a significant proposal is on the table: allowing teams to retain uncapped players in a special slot.
In every IPL mega auction, held every three years, teams are permitted to retain a limited number of key players, while the rest enter the auction pool. However, with the increasing prominence of uncapped players, IPL franchises are keen to retain these talents. Many teams have invested considerable time and resources in developing these players, and they are reluctant to let them go. The BCCI is considering a provision that would allow franchises to retain two to three uncapped players from their 2024 roster in an additional slot.
A source from the Times of India explained, “Every franchise could be allowed to retain, say, two-three uncapped players from their squad in the 2024 IPL season under an additional slot. The franchises are likely to push for it. Almost all the franchises have developed certain uncapped players which they don’t want to lose since they have invested in them over the last two-three years.”
The IPL 2024 season showcased a significant rise in the performance of uncapped players, with names like Ashutosh Sharma, Mayank Yadav, and Shashank Singh making a notable impact. These players have delivered exceptional performances, prompting teams to seek ways to retain them.
Reports suggest that the BCCI is open to creating a separate slot for uncapped players, allowing multiple retentions. This potential rule change will be a focal point in today’s meeting between the BCCI and the IPL franchise owners. The outcome could shape the future dynamics of team compositions in the IPL.
