RTM reintroduced as IPL 2025 auction brings six retentions and keeps Impact Player rule

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction is set to bring significant changes, with each franchise allowed to retain up to six players.

The right-to-match (RTM) option makes a comeback, and the Impact Player rule will continue for the upcoming seasons. Each team will have an expanded auction purse of INR 120 crore (around US$14.33 million), an increase of INR 20 crore from the previous auction. These decisions were confirmed by the IPL governing council on 28 September, ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

Retention rules

As per the new retention guidelines, shared with the ten franchises on the evening of 28 September, teams can retain a maximum of six players, including up to two uncapped Indians. A total of five capped players can be retained, whether all Indian, all overseas, or a combination of both.

Retention slabs

For franchises opting to retain five players, the following deductions will apply from their auction purse:

• INR 18 crore for the first retention
• INR 14 crore for the second retention
• INR 11 crore for the third retention
• INR 18 crore for the fourth retention
• INR 14 crore for the fifth retention

This means a franchise that retains five players will lose INR 75 crore from the total purse of INR 120 crore. In the case of uncapped players, the deduction remains at INR 4 crore, as it was in the 2021 auction. A franchise retaining six players will be left with just INR 41 crore for the auction.

Dhoni eligible as an 'uncapped' player

One of the more intriguing rules is the reintroduction of a 2008 provision that allows Indian players who retired from international cricket at least five years prior to be classified as uncapped players. The rule, which was scrapped in 2021, has now been revived and could see Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retain their former captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.

In 2022, CSK retained Dhoni as their second pick for INR 12 crore. Under the new rules, if the franchise retains him as an uncapped player, he would earn INR 4 crore. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, turned 43 in July and has since only featured in the IPL.

Impact Player rule remains despite mixed reception

Despite concerns from franchises and players like India's ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma, the IPL has decided to retain the Impact Player rule. This rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to substitute a player from their starting XI with a specialist batsman or bowler depending on match circumstances. The rule will continue for the next three seasons (2025-2027).

During a meeting with team owners on 31 July, some franchises voiced opposition, arguing that the rule might hinder the development of allrounders. However, the majority were in favour of keeping it. The IPL has defended its decision, pointing out that nine of the ten highest totals in the tournament's history have been achieved since the rule's introduction. They believe the rule adds excitement for spectators and helps to enhance the overall product.

RTM card returns with a twist

The RTM card, which was last used in the 2017 mega auction, is making a return after requests from several franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The RTM option allows a team to buy back a player they previously had by matching the highest bid made by another team.

The rule, however, has been modified to benefit the bidding process. Now, if a team exercises the RTM, the highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid. For example, if Team 2 places the highest bid of INR 6 crore for a player and Team 1 has the RTM, Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid after Team 1 decides to exercise their RTM. This change aims to ensure fairer price competition for players.

Injury replacements and player loans extended

Until IPL 2024, franchises were only allowed to seek injury replacements until their seventh match of the season. However, from IPL 2025, teams will be permitted to request replacements up until the 12th match of the league phase. Additionally, the IPL is reinstating the player loan process, which can now be activated during the season.

These changes signal a more dynamic approach to team-building strategies ahead of IPL 2025, with significant flexibility in retentions, the return of the RTM card, and the continuation of the much-debated Impact Player rule.