BCCI permits retention of five players by IPL teams, setting the stage for core players to stay put before mega auctions: Report

Many IPL franchises are aiming to retain at least five players to maintain consistency and protect their brand value. By retaining a core group of players, teams can establish a strong foundation to build upon during the mega auction. This strategy allows franchises to ensure the continuity of their team and capitalize on the strengths of their key players.

The IPL had allowed the teams to retain up to four players in the last mega auction held in 2022.

A three-year cycle has ended, and another mega auction is on the horizon, but teams have contrasting views on player retention.

IPL teams divided over IPL Player retention

Last month, BCCI met with the IPL franchise owners to discuss the player retention policy. The IPL franchises, which had good results in the past season, didn't want to shake the balance of their side and wanted the BCCI to allow more than three retentions. They have invested heavily in some young players and helped them grow, but there is a high chance of them going under the hammer in the case of only three retentions. Meanwhile, some teams who have failed to get results recently want a mega auction to go all guns blazing.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Wednesday organised a constructive dialogue with the owners of the 10 franchises on various subjects pertaining to the upcoming season of the IPL," Jay said in a release last month.

"The franchise owners tabled feedback on player regulations and other commercial aspects, including central merchandising, licensing, and gaming. The BCCI will now take these recommendations to the IPL Governing Council for further deliberation and evaluation before formulating the IPL player regulations," Shah added in the release.

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