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October 8, 2024
The RTM (Right to Match) card is a distinctive feature of the IPL auction process, particularly prominent during mega auctions.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the much-anticipated return of the RTM card is on the horizon. This vital tool in the Indian Premier League’s player retention strategy is poised to significantly influence how teams construct their squads for the upcoming season. In this article, we’ll explore what the RTM card entails and its implications for the 2025 mega auction.
The RTM (Right to Match) card is a distinctive element of the IPL auction process, particularly used during mega auctions. Essentially, it allows franchises to retain players from their previous squad who are being bid on by other teams, enabling them to match the highest bid received for the player during the auction.
In the mega auction, teams can retain a limited number of players through pre-auction retention. For instance, if a team retains three players before the auction, it can utilize up to two RTM cards. Conversely, if only two players are retained, the team will have access to three RTM cards, and so on.
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To illustrate, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: if the Mumbai Indians (MI) decide not to retain Rohit Sharma before the auction, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) places a bid of INR 15 Crores for him, MI can exercise their RTM card to match CSK’s bid. By doing so, MI retains Rohit Sharma in their squad for the same amount, effectively blocking CSK from acquiring him.
The RTM card offers a strategic advantage to franchises by enabling them to maintain continuity and retain key players from the previous season without having to include them on the pre-auction retention list. This is especially significant during mega auctions, where teams typically undergo substantial changes and have limited options for pre-retention. The RTM card allows franchises to safeguard their core players, ensuring a stronger foundation as they rebuild their squads.
As IPL 2025 approaches, discussions have focused on the structure of retentions and RTM cards. The BCCI has shown support for a retention format that allows for three pre-auction retentions plus one RTM card. This arrangement provides teams with a balanced approach to maintaining core players while still participating actively in the dynamic auction process.
Reports indicate that franchises are favoring this structure, advocating for a combination of three retentions and seven RTM cards. However, some teams have proposed alternative formats, such as eliminating pre-auction retentions entirely in favor of a higher number of RTM cards. This would help ensure fair market value and promote player continuity across the league.
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The strategic use of RTM cards can significantly impact a team’s performance in the IPL. By retaining star players who have demonstrated their value, franchises can foster team cohesion and stability. Additionally, this mechanism enables teams to counter competitive bids from rivals, ensuring that essential players remain part of their squad. Retaining key talents through RTM cards not only enhances the team’s overall strength but also instills confidence and continuity within the roster.
As the mega auction approaches, the final details of the RTM card structure are set to be confirmed. Upcoming BCCI meetings and discussions with franchise owners will be crucial in finalizing these regulations. Regardless of the outcome, the RTM card will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of IPL 2025, influencing team strategies and player dynamics in the league.
Despite growing speculation, IPL franchises are firmly against the reclassification of MS Dhoni as an uncapped player for IPL 2025. Kavya Maran of Sunrisers Hyderabad has voiced concerns, calling such a move disrespectful. The BCCI’s recent proposal to consider Dhoni uncapped was met with resistance from various franchises during discussions with IPL team owners.
Reports indicate that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are pushing for Dhoni’s uncapped status due to his retirement being nearly seven years ago. The BCCI raised the topic while exploring broader criteria for uncapped players, referencing a rule established before the inaugural IPL season in 2008, which classified players retired from international cricket for over five years as uncapped. However, this rule was never implemented and was abolished three years ago. The suggestion to reintroduce it during the recent meeting faced strong opposition from multiple teams.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran was one of the vocal opponents of the proposal to classify a retired cricketer like MS Dhoni as an uncapped player. She expressed that such a move would be “disrespectful” and could set a “wrong precedent” if a retired player were to command a higher salary than a genuine uncapped player. Maran suggested that if Dhoni wishes to continue his career, he should enter the auction like any other player, allowing team owners to assess his value.
The report also addressed speculation that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pushed for this rule to retain Dhoni. These rumors were dismissed, as it was noted that prior to the last mega auction in 2022, CSK retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was uncapped at that time, was retained for half that amount.
Regarding Dhoni’s potential participation in IPL 2025, uncertainty remains. After undergoing knee surgery last year, he handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad and is expected to take on a finisher’s role in IPL 2024. Dhoni has indicated that he and CSK will await clarity on retention rules before making a decision about his involvement in IPL 2025.
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