The Indian Premier League General Council (IPL GC) has created new rules for overseas players to make the IPL fair and fun. Starting in 2025, if a player from another country joins the IPL auction but decides not to play before the season begins, they will be banned from the IPL for two years. This is to stop players from joining the auction without wanting to play.
Players can only skip the season if they have an injury or medical problem, which needs to be confirmed by their home country’s cricket board. The IPL GC also changed player fees in smaller auctions to keep things fair and prevent prices from getting too high. Players from other countries must join the big auction before being in smaller auctions. This helps keep player prices fair and spreads talent evenly among teams.

In a recent meeting between the Indian Premier League General Council (IPL GC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Bengaluru, significant changes were made to To address the issue of overseas players withdrawing after being selected in the IPL auction New retention rules were established to ensure a more transparent and balanced approach for players and franchises.
The new regulations include a two-year ban for overseas players who withdraw from the tournament without a valid reason, such as an injury or medical condition that must be confirmed by the player’s home board. This measure aims to encourage players to register for the auction with a genuine intention to participate.
Additionally, the IPL GC introduced measures to regulate player fees in mini-auctions. This rule prevents players from skipping mega auctions to secure higher bids in mini-auctions.
Furthermore, the IPL has set a maximum fee for overseas players in mini-auctions, which will be determined by either the highest retention price of INR 18 crore or the highest. This measure intends to restrict the inflation of player prices in mini-auctions and promote a more balanced distribution of talent among the teams.
The IPL GC’s commitment to addressing these issues demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a high level of competitiveness in the tournament while providing a fair and transparent experience for players and franchises alike. These new measures will enhance the league’s overall quality and foster an environment of trust and accountability for all parties involved.
“Any player who registers for [an] auction and after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season, will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons. An injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board,” the statement said.
Overseas Player Auction Cap Based on Retention or Previous Mega Auction Price
To address the issues surrounding player withdrawals and inflated auction fees, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has introduced a series of new measures targeting mini-auctions. These measures ensure fairness and transparency in the auction process while maintaining a competitive balance among teams.
One of the fundamental changes involves requiring overseas players to register for mega auctions before becoming eligible for subsequent mini-auctions. This rule is intended to prevent players from bypassing the mega auction to secure higher bids in mini auctions. By doing so, the IPL aims to promote a more balanced and fair distribution of talent across teams while discouraging players from manipulating the auction system.
Additionally, the IPL has established a maximum fee for overseas players in mini-auctions. Implementing this rule is aimed at curbing the inflation of player prices during mini-auctions, where teams often engage in bidding wars to fill specific squad gaps. The IPL seeks to maintain a more reasonable and sustainable financial landscape for all participating franchises by limiting the maximum fee.
These recent measures demonstrate the IPL’s commitment to fostering an environment of transparency and fair play. By implementing these new rules, the league ensures that all teams have equal opportunities to acquire top talent while mitigating the potential for exploitation in the auction process. Ultimately, these changes will contribute to the ongoing success and growth of the IPL as one of the world’s premier cricket tournaments.
“Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auction will be lower of the highest retention price [of INR 18 crore] or the highest auction price at the big auction. In case the highest auction price at big auction is 20 crs [INR 20 crore], then 18 crs [INR 18 crore] will be the cap. If the highest auction price at big auction is 16 crs [INR 16 crore] then the cap will be 16 crs [INR 16 crore],” the document added.
These recent regulatory changes have been instituted in response to the record-breaking bids witnessed in previous IPL auctions. Notable examples include the substantial sums paid for Australian cricketers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who were purchased for INR 20.50 crore and INR 24.75 crore, respectively.
In the last auction, Cummins and Starc commanded exorbitant prices, with Starc’s fee exceeding Cummins’s by a significant margin. Starc, a left-arm fast bowler who had not participated in the IPL for eight years, was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering $2.98 million. Meanwhile, Cummins, another highly sought-after player, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for $2.46 million.
These record-setting bids prompted the IPL to reevaluate its auction processes and implement new measures to regulate player fees. By instituting these changes, the IPL aims to prevent future bidding wars and ensure a more balanced financial landscape for participating franchises while maintaining the league’s status as a global platform for top cricketing talent.
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