IPL Franchise Requests Mega Auction Every 5 Years: Demands 8 RTM Cards and 4-6 Retentions
IPL franchises have requested the BCCI to hold the mega auction every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. On Wednesday, the board conducted a feedback session regarding the mega auction, attended by officials from all ten franchises. The franchises demanded the retention of 8 Right to Match (RTM) cards and the ability to retain 4 to 6 players.
A senior franchise official told Cricinfo that conducting the mega auction every five years instead of three would be more beneficial, giving franchises sufficient time to prepare uncapped players.
Three Major Demands of the Franchises
In the IPL, mega auctions are currently held every three years, but the franchises are now demanding an extension of two more years. Many teams have requested the ability to retain 6 players, up from the current 4. They also asked for 8 RTM cards, compared to the present 3 RTM cards. Additionally, franchises seek the authority to increase or decrease auction prices based on player performance.
Demand for Salary Rights
Another suggestion was made regarding salaries. It was proposed that between mega auctions, franchises should have the right to directly increase or decrease player salaries based on performance. This would allow teams to retain their key players and benefit those previously bought at base prices or lower amounts. For example, Kolkata bought Rinku Singh for 55 lakh.
Demand to Retain Captains
Teams should be allowed to retain major players or captains and include other players as RTM. The RTM was used in the 2018 mega auction, where teams could retain up to 5 players by combining retention and RTM.
Player Performance Challenges Teams
In IPL 2024, several players have increased franchise tensions by becoming match-winners after being bought at lower prices. This time, teams will be willing to pay a large amount for such players, posing a challenge to retain them in their ranks. These players might face competition in the mega auction.
