Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
With the IPL 2021 season almost coming towards an end, the focus has already shifted to the mega auctions which are planned ahead of the next season. The sale of two new teams is set to take place by October 25 which is when all the information regarding the retention policy will be laid out. However, some details have already been revealed which gives an idea about how BCCI are planning to ensure that all the 10 teams get a fair chance to build a strong team going ahead.
While it was earlier reported that the current franchises could be allowed a maximum of only 3 retentions, it looks like some modifications have been made on that number. According to Cricbuzz, the franchises could be allowed to retain a maximum of 4 players (3 Indians + 1 Overseas or 2 Indians + 2 Overseas). The report also mentions that if the teams are allowed to retain 4 players, there might not be any option of 'Right to Match' cards during the mega auctions.
What about the two new teams?
While allowing the present franchises to retain 4 players each would be great for them, it might not come as great news for the two new teams which will enter the tournament. As a result of this policy, they will be prevented from signing the 32 best players in the league since they will be retained by the current 8 franchises.
However, BCCI are pondering over a new rule which will allow the two new teams a fair opportunity to recruit some big names ahead of the mega auctions. From the list of names who have enrolled themselves for the auction, the two teams will be allowed to make some 'special picks', the number of which will depend on retentions allowed to each franchise.
The procedure of picking the players has not yet been chalked down but it could possibly be in form of draft, something which was used when Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant had joined the league. With so much uncertainty around the same, all the details regarding the mega auctions are officially expected to be revealed by the end of this month, when the owners of two new teams are finalized.