BCCI likely to allow IPL franchises to retain five players

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is moving towards a new player retention policy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, potentially allowing franchises to retain five players each without a right to match option. This decision could have significant implications for teams, particularly the Mumbai Indians, who would have the opportunity to retain key players such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.

In a recent meeting held at the BCCI headquarters, discussions took place with all ten IPL team owners regarding the player retention framework. A majority of the franchise owners expressed a strong preference for the ability to retain 5-6 players. They believe this strategy would foster continuity within their teams and maintain their competitive edge. The BCCI appears to be accommodating these requests, recognizing that retaining key players is essential for protecting the brand value of the franchises.

Previously, ahead of the 2022 season, franchises were permitted to retain a maximum of four players, with restrictions that limited the number of Indian players retained to three and overseas players to two. However, the current discussions have yet to clarify how many overseas players can be retained by each franchise, leaving room for speculation among the teams.

For the Mumbai Indians, this development presents both opportunities and challenges. Having maintained a strong core over the past decade, the team now faces scrutiny following an underwhelming season under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. The decision on which players to retain could redefine their strategy moving forward, especially as they seek to bounce back from their recent performance.

The BCCI is still finalizing the retention costs associated with the upcoming auction. Notably, Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, has voiced support for minimizing the size of auctions this year. Other franchises, including the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans, have also advocated for postponing major auctions, emphasizing a desire for stability in team compositions.