IPL Auction Retention Explained: How Teams Keep Their Star Players • ProBatsman

Image Source: BCCI/IPL
Retention in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction allows teams to keep some of their current players without them going through the auction. This means these players stay with their team automatically. Retention helps teams keep their key players and build a strong squad around them.
Retention is a strategic choice for teams. They must decide which key players to keep while also thinking about bringing in new talent during the auction. Teams consider factors like player performance, age, and salary when deciding who to retain. The rules for retention can change each season, as the IPL governing body often updates them to keep the league competitive.

How Does Retention Work in IPL?
The IPL sets a limit on how many players a team can retain before the auction. In previous seasons, teams could retain a certain number of players directly and then use additional picks to match bids from other teams for certain players. This is called the Right to Match (RTM) and allows teams to keep players that other franchises are interested in.
The specific rules for retention can change from season to season to ensure fairness. The retention process is crucial in the IPL auction as it helps shape the teams and sets the stage for the bidding.

What Are Retained Players?
Retained players are those cricketers chosen by their teams to stay with them for the next IPL season. These players are secured before the auction, ensuring they will play for the team. Teams decide to retain players based on their performance, experience, and overall strategy. Retained players form the core of the team and are vital to its success.
How Many Retentions Are There in IPL 2025?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to reveal the number of retentions allowed for the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, there are reports that franchises are demanding to have at least 5 to 6 retentions. Ultimately, the final decision will rest with the BCCI. 

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