RCB Table in IPL Auction | Source: X.com
A potential overhaul of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction format is on the cards. Top franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings have proposed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend the gap between mega auctions from the current three years to five.
The move, according to sources, is aimed at fostering long-term player development and team building. With a longer gap between auctions, franchises can invest more heavily in their youth academies and nurture young talent. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on domestic cricket and the production of India-ready players.
IPL Auction 2024 | Source: BCCI/IPL
Currently, the IPL has been holding mega auctions every three years. However, there have been instances where the cycle was disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the BCCI is yet to make a final decision, the proposal has gained significant traction among the franchises. If implemented, the change could reshape the IPL’s player landscape and provide a more stable environment for teams to build their rosters.
Other suggestions put forth by the franchises include increasing the number of players that can be retained before a mega auction and reintroducing the Right to Match (RTM) card, which allows teams to match bids for their released players.
