In the IPL 2024 auction, Mitchell Starc fetched Rs 24.75 crore, but new regulations by the BCCI mean he won’t see similar earnings in future mini-auctions from next year onward.
On Saturday, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council announced a series of strict measures aimed particularly at overseas players. These include clearer retention rules and salary brackets for franchises, along with the possibility of a two-year suspension for players found manipulating auction processes that have caused difficulties for teams in recent years. The BCCI aims to prevent issues like last-minute withdrawals by overseas players and their preference for mini auctions over mega ones.
Starting with the IPL 2026 mini-auction, a new rule stipulates that no overseas player can earn more than the highest retained or sold player from the corresponding mega auction, whichever is lower. This decision has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts about the fairness of limiting overseas players' salaries in mini-auctions.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal defended this decision, stating it was made to promote greater participation of international stars in the mega auctions. He explained, "If a player is sold for more than Rs 18 crore, they will only receive Rs 18 crore, with the remainder reverting to the league and the BCCI for player welfare. Our goal is to maximise the number of players available during the bigger auction, as that allows franchises to effectively plan for the next three years."
When questioned about the proposed two-year ban for overseas players who withdraw from IPL commitments after being sold, Dhumal elaborated, "We've observed that some players prefer to miss larger auctions while opting for smaller ones to secure better contracts. We want to ensure that those committed to the bigger auction aren't penalised. If a player is selected, they must provide valid reasons for their unavailability. It’s crucial since franchises invest significant effort into assembling their teams, and any absence can jeopardise overall performance."
Dhumal emphasised that the IPL Governing Council is focused on ensuring that only those foreign players who are fully committed participate. "It's a team sport, and we expect 100% commitment from all players. If someone states they will be available, they must follow through, unless there’s a legitimate medical issue confirmed in writing by their home board," he concluded.