The Indian Premier League (IPL), a cricketing extravaganza that garners global attention, is not just about the fierce battles on the field but also the strategic manoeuvres off it.
Every IPL team has been allotted a purse of INR 100 crore each, which means there is an increase of INR 5 crore from the last year.
The teams will carry on their leftover purse from the previous auction, with all the additions made on the basis of released and retained players.
MORE: What are the biggest trade deals in IPL history?
As teams gear up for the 2024 mini-auction, understanding the retention rules becomes paramount.
How many players can an IPL team retain?
According to the IPL retention rules, each franchise has the prerogative to retain its entire squad and make no changes to it before a mini-auction.
However, before a mega auction, a team can retain a maximum of four players. Teams are not allowed to retain more than three Indian players or two overseas players. Retention of uncapped players is also capped at two.
For teams retaining four players, the IPL deducts Rs 42 crore from their total purse of Rs 90 crore. The breakdown of player costs is as follows:
- First-choice player: Rs 16 crore
- Second-choice player: Rs 12 crore
- Third-choice player: Rs 8 crore
- Fourth-choice player: Rs 6 crore
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If a team opts to retain three players, the IPL deducts Rs 33 crore from their total purse. The distribution of costs is as follows:
- First-choice player: Rs 15 crore
- Second-choice player: Rs 11 crore
- Third-choice player: Rs 7 crore
This retention serves as the foundation around which teams construct their strategies for the upcoming season. The players retained are crucial pillars, embodying the team's ethos and strategic vision.
How many players can an IPL team release?
While retention is about preserving the core, the release of players is a parallel process that involves letting go of individuals who may no longer align with the team's strategy or whose performance might not justify their price tag.
An IPL team can release any number of players before mega and mini-auction. However, they cannot let go of their 'icon' player in a trade deal. They are exempted from the trading process. However, 'icon' players are different from team captains. A team captain can be traded.
What is an IPL trade? What are the rules?
IPL trade deals involve the transfer of players between franchises outside the regular auction windows.
Franchises can trade players based on mutual agreements, often driven by strategic considerations, team requirements, or performance evaluations. Unlike auctions where players go to the highest bidder, trade deals allow targeted acquisitions.
The traded players may be involved in a one-on-one exchange or as part of a multi-player or cash deal, as determined by the franchises and the league's governing council.
What if multiple franchises express interest in one player during a trade?
If multiple franchises express interest in one player during a trade then the selling franchise has the right to choose the player’s destination. However, there must be player's consent to the deal.
How can IPL teams increase their auction purse in 2024?
Teams can increase their auction purse which was leftover from last auction by releasing players. For example, Chennai Super Kings currently have INR 1.50 crores left in their purse. But if they decide to release a player worth INR 5 crores on the trade window deadline day, they will be able to increase their purse value to INR 6.50 crores before the auction.
MORE: IPL 2024 Auction: What is the remaining purse for each team?
Similarly, if CSK but a player worth INR 1 crore, their purse amount will decrease to INR 50 lakhs ahead of the auction day.
When is IPL 2024 mini-auction?
The mini-auction for IPL 2024 is set to be held in Dubai on December 19, 2023.
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