Most IPL team owners, who convened with BCCI officials and IPL Governing Council members in Mumbai on Wednesday, favour holding a mini-auction instead of a major player auction. The Indian Express reports that longstanding tournament participants support maintaining continuity and suggest conducting large auctions every 4-5 years. The decision now rests with the BCCI.
Reflecting on the last two major auctions in 2018 and 2022, several top franchises have conveyed to the BCCI their reluctance to lose key players they’ve developed over the past three years. These teams fear that a large auction could undermine their investments in these players. Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders' co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, along with Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans, support postponing the major auction.
Parth Jindal expressed his surprise at the debate, noting that some owners prefer small auctions to level the playing field, making the IPL more competitive. Despite differing opinions, the franchises collectively favour 5-6 player retentions and multiple Right to Match (RTM) options. Additionally, some propose a separate retention cap for uncapped Indian players. However, the dominant view among top teams is to delay the major auction.
Conversely, franchises like Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are advocating for a major player auction this time.
The primary reason for postponing the major auction is the significant investment in talent development and scouting programs by many franchises. They worry that a major auction might force them to let go of nurtured players. For instance, Rajasthan Royals have invested heavily in young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, alongside stars like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Trent Boult. Mumbai Indians face a similar dilemma with their mix of emerging and established players.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings also have young prospects in addition to experienced players, highlighting their long-term investment in talent development. These teams conduct off-season camps to monitor fitness and progress, spending significantly on tracking player development.
Given these investments, franchises have communicated to the BCCI that disrupting this cycle would be counterproductive. While some teams favour a major auction, they are currently in the minority. Even teams with young squads like Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad prefer retaining their core players.