IPL Governing Council Announces New Player Regulations for 2025-27
In a significant development for the IPL, the Governing Council(GC) met in Bengaluru to finalize and announce the player regulations for the upcoming seasons from 2025-2027. After thorough discussions with the all franchises, several key decisions have been made that will shape how teams build their squads and operate in future auctions. Here is a detailed breakdown of the major updates and rules that will be implemented starting from IPL 2025.
1. Retention & Right to Match (RTM) Rules:
One of the most important topic of the IPL has always been the retention policy. From the new rules, franchises will be able to retain a total of 6 players from their existing/previous squad. These players can be retained directly or through the Right to Match (RTM) option during the auction.
Also, the franchise has the freedom to choose the combination of retained players and RTMs. However, there are some constraints:
- Maximum of 5 capped players (Indian or overseas) can be retained or matched using RTMs.
- Maximum of 2 uncapped players can be included in the six retained players.
This will enable teams to maintain a core group of players and also allowing them to strategically use the auction to strengthen their squad.
2. Auction Purse and Salary Cap:
The IPL auction purse has seen an increase for the 2025 season. The auction purse for franchises will be set at INR 120 crore for IPL 2025. This purse will allow teams to bid for players in the auction and build a competitive squad.
Furthermore, the total salary cap for teams will include the auction purse, performance-based pay, and match fees. Here’s a look at the salary cap changes over the next few seasons:
- 2024: INR 110 crore
- 2025: INR 146 crore
- 2026: INR 151 crore
- 2027: INR 157 crore
This gradual increase in the salary cap will allow franchises to allocate more funds to secure top talent while also rewarding players for exceptional performances.
3. Introduction of Match Fees:
For the first time in IPL history, match fees have been introduced. Every playing member of the team, including the Impact Player, will receive a match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per match. This fee will be in addition to the player’s contracted salary, providing further financial incentives for players to perform consistently throughout the season.
4. Overseas Player Registration for Auctions:
A major regulation has been introduced for overseas players. Any foreign player wishing to participate in the IPL auction must register for the Big Auction. If an overseas player fails to register for the auction, they will be ineligible for the following year's auction as well. This rule ensures transparency and commitment from overseas players toward participating in the league.
5. Penalty for Withdrawal Post-Auction:
In a bid to maintain fairness and avoid last-minute player withdrawals, a stringent rule has been introduced. If a player registers for the auction and gets picked by a franchise, but then withdraws before the start of the season, the player will face a ban from participating in the next two IPL seasons. This rule is expected to prevent disruptions to team planning and ensure players are fully committed once picked in the auction.
6. Capped Players Becoming Uncapped:
A unique regulation has been created to determine a player’s status as "capped" or "uncapped." A capped Indian player will be reclassified as an uncapped player if:
- The player has not played in the starting XI of an international match (Test, ODI, T20I) for five consecutive calendar years leading up to the IPL season, and
- The player does not have a central contract with the BCCI.
This rule applies only to Indian players and provides a chance for players who may have fallen out of favor at the international level to be treated as uncapped, potentially making them more attractive to IPL franchises.
7. Continuation of the Impact Player Rule:
The Impact Player regulation, which allows teams to substitute one player during the match to create strategic flexibility, will continue to be in effect for the 2025 to 2027 IPL cycle. This rule, which has already added a new tactical dimension to the game, will remain a crucial part of IPL strategies for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion:
The newly announced IPL player regulations for 2025-27 reflect the league's commitment to enhancing competitiveness, fairness, and transparency. By adjusting retention policies, auction purses, and player classifications, the IPL Governing Council has made sure that franchises have the flexibility to build strong teams while also maintaining a fair playing field for all participants.
These changes, along with the introduction of match fees and stricter rules around auction registration, ensure that both players and franchises are aligned in their commitment to the IPL’s future success. With the growing popularity of the league, these regulations are set to add another layer of excitement to the world’s premier T20 competition. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly awaiting the IPL 2025 auction to see how these new rules play out on the field.