Recently the IPL Governing Council has unveiled the retention rules for the 2025 season allowing teams to retain up to six players either directly or via Right To Match (RTM) cards.
However it is mandatory for franchises to retain at least one uncapped player if they choose to utilize all six retention options. The RTM option in this auction compared to previous ones comes with a more complex implementation.
Some had expressed disappointment over return of RTM potential in the IPL 2025 auction prompting the BCCI to make it less rewarding. In the past, franchises could use the RTM card to buy back a player won by another team during the bidding war at the auction. However in the upcoming mega auction, simply showing an RTM card won’t guarantee the player’s return.
Now, when a franchise shows the RTM card after a bidding war between two other teams, the winning bidder will be given another opportunity to raise their bid for that player. In this scenario the team holding the RTM card can either match the improved bid or withdraw.
“The highest bidder will have one final chance to raise their bid before the team with the RTM card can exercise their right. For example if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 will be asked if they want to use the RTM. If they agree, then Team 2 can increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to Rs. 9 Cr, Team 1 can match it and acquire Player X for Rs. 9 Cr. If Team 2 doesn’t raise the bid, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for Rs. 6 Cr,” the rule explains.
For example, if Faf du Plessis is auctioned, and CSK places the highest bid, his current franchise RCB will be asked if they want to use the RTM. If RCB agrees, CSK gets one more chance to increase the bid, after which RCB can either use their RTM to re-sign Du Plessis or withdraw from the process.
