BCCI Set to Host Two-Day IPL Mega Auction in Saudi Arabia

The anticipation for the IPL 2025 mega auction is building as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for this significant event, likely scheduled for the last week of November. This year, the auction is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh or Jeddah being the potential hosts. Despite Dubai hosting the previous auction in December 2023, BCCI officials are keen on making Saudi Arabia the new venue for this major cricketing event.

Timing and Venue

Although the exact date for the IPL 2025 mega auction is yet to be confirmed, reports suggest it will occur in the last week of November. This year’s auction promises to be especially thrilling as various key changes have been introduced in the player retention and auction rules, following a meeting held by the IPL governing council on September 28.

Player Retention Rules

In an effort to streamline the auction process, all ten IPL teams will now be allowed to retain a maximum of six players. Each team can retain up to five capped players, which may include both Indian and overseas players, along with two uncapped Indian players. The uncapped players will each be valued at ₹4 crore. The retained players must come from the team’s IPL 2024 squad.

Salary Slabs for Retained Players

A salary slab has been established for the five capped players retained by each team:

• Retained Player 1: ₹18 crore

• Retained Player 2: ₹14 crore

• Retained Player 3: ₹11 crore

• Retained Player 4: ₹18 crore

• Retained Player 5: ₹14 crore

This expenditure on player retention will be deducted from each team's auction purse, which is set at ₹120 crore. For instance, if the Mumbai Indians retain five capped players and one uncapped player, they would have ₹79 crore deducted from their auction purse, leaving them with ₹41 crore to spend during the auction. Similarly, if Chennai Super Kings retain four capped players and one uncapped player, they would have ₹65 crore deducted, allowing them to spend ₹55 crore during the auction.

Right to Match (RTM) Card Changes

The Right to Match (RTM) card, which gives teams the opportunity to reclaim a released player by matching the highest bid during the auction, has also undergone modifications. A team that retains six players will not possess any RTM cards, whereas a team that does not retain any players will have six RTM cards available.

For example, if Royal Challengers Bangalore releases Virat Kohli and Mumbai Indians bids ₹25 crore for him, the auctioneer will ask RCB if they want to use their RTM card. If RCB decides to use it, MI has the chance to increase their bid. If MI raises the bid to ₹30 crore, RCB must match this to reclaim Kohli. In previous auctions, the bidding team was not allowed to raise their bid after an RTM card was used, making this a notable change.

Inclusion of Former International Players

In a new rule for this auction, teams will have the option to retain former international players as uncapped players. However, to be classified as uncapped, a former international player must have either retired or not participated in international cricket for the last five years. This specific rule applies only to Indian cricketers.

Deadline for Retained Players Submission

Teams must submit their lists of retained players by October 31. This deadline is crucial as it sets the stage for the upcoming auction.

Additional Rules for the Upcoming Auctions

Salary Cap for Overseas Players

In the mini-auction for 2026, the salary cap for overseas players will be determined by the highest retention price (₹18 crore) or the highest auction price from the mega auction, whichever is lower. For example, if Rohit Sharma is retained for ₹18 crore and Hardik Pandya gets a maximum bid of ₹16 crore, then no foreign player can earn more than ₹16 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. Conversely, if Pandya’s bid is ₹20 crore, then no overseas player can earn more than ₹18 crore.

Sanctions for Unavailability

If an overseas player bought in the upcoming auction becomes unavailable for the season without a legitimate reason, he will face a two-year ban from the IPL. Additionally, if an overseas player does not register for the IPL mega auction, he will be ineligible to register for the next auction as well.

Match Fees for Players

Starting from the 2025 season, all players purchased in the auction will receive a match fee of ₹7.5 lakh for every IPL game they play, which will be in addition to their contracted amount.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a landmark event with its potential new venue in Saudi Arabia and significant changes to player retention and auction rules. As teams prepare their strategies, the excitement among fans and stakeholders continues to grow. With a focus on attracting top talent and enhancing competition, this auction promises to reshape the landscape of the IPL for years to come.