IPL Franchises Push for Penalties on Foreign Players Withdrawing Post-Auction

When a foreign player withdraws from an Indian Premier League (IPL) season after the auction, it poses significant challenges for the franchise, disrupting the carefully assembled team balance. In the past, notable international players like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Jason Roy have pulled out of the IPL, sometimes with justifiable reasons, while others have provided little explanation for their absence.

IPL franchises have suggested to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that action should be taken against foreign players who withdraw without valid reasons, with some even proposing a ban on such players from future events. The report noted, "In recent one-on-one meetings with the BCCI CEO, franchise officials requested action against players who withdraw without valid reasons, with some suggesting bans for unreliable players."

Meanwhile, a report from PTI indicated that the purse value for franchises might increase by 20 to 25 percent. An anonymous senior official from one of the IPL franchises mentioned, "The standard increase should be between 20 and 25 percent, making Rs 120 crore to 125 crore a fair amount. Most franchises would likely agree to this."

A more pressing issue, however, is player retention, as different teams have varying needs. Currently, the IPL allows four retentions per year, with a maximum of three Indian players and one overseas player. Many teams are advocating for an increase in the number of retained players to five or six.