The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is poised to revolutionize franchise rosters as teams aim to secure the top cricket talent. With significant updates to player retention and strategic auction rules, it promises high stakes and intense competition.
Key Details of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
- Auction Dates and Venue
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will occur on November 24 and 25, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is the second consecutive year the auction takes place overseas, following Dubai’s hosting in 2024. This trend highlights IPL’s growing international presence. - Player Registrations Overview
A total of 1,574 players have registered, comprising: - 1,165 Indian players
- 409 overseas players Among these:
- 320 capped players (international experience)
- 1,224 uncapped players
- 30 players from Associate Nations This diverse mix ensures franchises have ample options to enhance their squads strategically.
Player Retention Rules and Retained Players
- Total Retained Players: 46
- Expense on Retained Players: ₹558.5 crore
Each team could retain up to six players, with a mix of capped and uncapped players: - Five capped players (Indian or overseas)
- Two uncapped Indian players, each valued at ₹4 crore
Notable Retentions:
- Mumbai Indians: Jasprit Bumrah (₹18 crore), Suryakumar Yadav (₹16.35 crore), Rohit Sharma (₹16.30 crore)
- Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (₹18 crore), Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crore), MS Dhoni (₹4 crore)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli (₹21 crore), Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore)
Strategy Insight: Each franchise is retaining core players while optimizing their budget for the auction. For instance, Mumbai Indians have a remaining purse of ₹45 crore.
Key Auction Rules: Right to Match (RTM) Cards and Updates
The IPL auction features the Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing teams to reacquire released players by matching the highest bid. Updates for 2025 include:
- Teams with six retained players cannot use RTM cards.
- Teams without any retained players have six RTM cards.
New Rule Introduction:
- In the final bid scenario, if a franchise uses its RTM card, the original bidder can make a final counter-offer.
Example: If RCB releases Virat Kohli and Mumbai Indians bid ₹25 crore, RCB can match using RTM. However, Mumbai can counter with a higher final offer.
Squad Sizes and Overseas Player Limits
Each team can have up to 25 players, with a maximum of 8 overseas players. Current available slots include:
- Chennai Super Kings: 20 slots (7 overseas)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 22 slots (8 overseas)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: 20 slots (5 overseas)
- Mumbai Indians: 20 slots (8 overseas)
Teams must balance squad size with overseas talent carefully.
Salary Slabs for Retained Players
The retention system follows these salary slabs:
- Retained Player 1: ₹18 crore
- Retained Player 2: ₹14 crore
- Retained Player 3: ₹11 crore
- Retained Player 4: ₹8 crore
- Retained Player 5: ₹4 crore
Expected Strategy and Competition at the Auction
The 2025 auction is critical for franchises to craft winning combinations. Key highlights include:
- Rule Changes: RTM updates and structured salary caps drive strategy.
- Demand Focus: All-rounders and power hitters are in high demand, increasing competitive bidding.
- Scouting Efforts: Franchises will lean heavily on data analytics and scouting to identify undervalued talent from the vast uncapped pool.
Summary Table
| Key Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Auction Dates | November 24-25, 2024 |
| Location | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Registered Players | 1,574 (1,165 Indian, 409 overseas) |
| Retained Players | 46 players, ₹558.5 crore spent |
| Auction Purse | ₹120 crore per team |
| Max Retentions | 6 players per team |
| Max Squad Size | 25 players per team |
| Overseas Player Limit | 8 per team |
| RTM Card Changes | RTM available only if < 6 players retained |
| Notable Retentions | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni |
FAQs
- When is the IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
November 24-25, 2024. - Where is the auction being held?
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. - How many players are registered for the auction?
A total of 1,574 players. - How many overseas players have registered?
409 overseas players. - What is the maximum retention limit for teams?
Six players. - What is the auction purse size for each team?
₹120 crore. - Can all teams use RTM cards?
No, only teams with less than six retained players. - What is the RTM card?
Allows reacquisition of released players by matching the highest bid. - What is the maximum squad size?
25 players per team. - How many overseas players can each team have?
Maximum of 8. - What is the retention cost for uncapped players?
₹4 crore. - How is the salary structured for retained players?
Predetermined salary slabs. - Why was Jeddah chosen as the venue?
It aligns with IPL’s strategy to expand its global reach. - Can teams retain international players?
Yes, up to five capped players, Indian or overseas. - What is the final bid option for RTM?
It allows original bidders to counter a matched RTM bid. - How much did Mumbai Indians retain players cost?
₹45 crore remaining. - Which team retained Virat Kohli?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru. - Who is the highest-paid retained player?
Virat Kohli at ₹21 crore. - What is the strategy for franchises?
Build balanced teams using analytics and budget management. - Is there any change in player retention rules?
Yes, significant updates in RTM usage and salary slabs.
Also Read: Complete IPL Winners List (2008-2024): Champions, Runners-Up & Notable Highlights