As we head towards the TATA IPL mega auction, the IPL governing council has revealed crucial player regulations, which are set to shape team strategies for upcoming seasons. 

We emerged as the powerhouse in the last mega auction in 2022, which was also our inaugural season. By focusing on a balanced mix of experienced and rising stars, we successfully built a strong core and emerged champions.

With new retention rules and an increased budget of INR 120 crore, we are poised to make the best possible combination for another successful season.

Here are the key retention rules.

1. Retention limit: Each franchise can retain up to 6 players, which can include a maximum of 5 capped players (both Indian and overseas) and a maximum of 2 uncapped players. Teams can also use the Right to Match (RTM) card for any of these players.
2. Auction purse: The auction purse for each franchise has been increased to INR 120 crore, reflecting a 20% hike. The total salary cap will now consist of auction purse, incremental performance pay and match fees.
3. Match fee: For the first time in IPL history, match fees will be provided. Each playing member, including the impact player, will earn a match fee of INR 7.5 lakh per match, in addition to their contracted salary.
4. Uncapped player: A noteworthy revision has been made to determine uncapped players. Any capped Indian player who hasn’t played in the starting XI of an international match (Test, ODI, T20I) or does not hold a BCCI central contract within the last five years will now be considered uncapped.
5. Penalising player withdrawal: Any overseas player who makes themselves unavailable after being picked in the auction will be ineligible for the subsequent year's auction.
6. Impact continues: The Impact player rule is set to stay until 2027. The rule allows a team to replace a player from the starting eleven and bring in a specialist batsman or bowler as per the match situation.