BCCI sticks to mega auction plan for IPL 2025 despite mixed reactions from owners

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to go ahead with the mega auction before IPL 2025, despite mixed reactions from team owners. In a recent meeting, prominent figures such as Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Kavya Maran, co-owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), argued in favor of maintaining the continuity of team building, brand promotion, and fan loyalty.

Some team owners proposed hosting the mega auction every five years and delaying the next one until 2026. However, BCCI officials are not inclined to accept this proposal. Instead, they have decided to allow franchises to retain 6-8 players using retention and Right to Match (RTM) cards. The governing council is working on finalizing these details, with a resolution expected by the end of the month.

Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, supported the idea of having a mega auction every three years to ensure a competitive tournament. He emphasized the importance of an even playing field for all teams. 

“There was a debate. Some people said that there should not be a mega auction at all... I’m not in that camp. I feel that it evens the playing field and it’s very good for everyone. It makes the IPL what it is. It makes it competitive,” Jindal was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

The meeting also included discussions on the Impact Player rule. Some franchises wanted to remove this rule, believing it restricts the development of all-rounders. However, BCCI is likely to keep the rule for the upcoming season. Additionally, the budget for each franchise is expected to increase, with details to be announced once the retention rules are finalized.