IPL 2025 Rules: BCCI to Ban Players for Pulling Out After Auction Deal

Key Changes in IPL 2025 Rules

1. Two-Year Ban for Withdrawal:
   • Players who register for the auction, get picked by a franchise, and then decide to make themselves unavailable before the season starts will face a two-season ban from both participating in the tournament and registering for future auctions. This rule aims to prevent last-minute disruptions and ensure that franchises get reliable and committed players.
2. Mandatory Registration for Mega Auctions:
   • Any international player looking to participate in the IPL must now register for the “Big Auction” ahead of the season. Failure to do so would make the player ineligible for the following year’s auction, potentially delaying their IPL career by a year. This rule is designed to prevent players from skipping the mega auction and trying to earn big money during the mini auctions.
3. Cap on Overseas Players’ Auction Price:
   • The auction price for overseas players will be capped at the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crore) or the highest auction price at the mega auction. This measure aims to control the escalating costs and ensure a level playing field for all franchises.
4. Retention Policy:
   • Franchises are allowed to retain up to five players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This policy provides teams with the flexibility to build a core group of players while still participating in the auction to strengthen their squads.
5. Injury and Medical Exceptions:
   • The only exception to the two-year ban rule will be for players who withdraw due to an injury or medical condition. This must be confirmed by the player’s home board. This provision ensures that genuine cases are not penalized while maintaining the integrity of the rule.

#IrfanPathan applauds the introduction of a two-year ban on players who pull out of the season for non-injury reasons after getting picked up at the auction.#IPL2025 #IPL #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/E5w92ZXE8Q

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) September 29, 2024

The new rules are expected to have a significant impact on both players and franchises. For players, the two-year ban serves as a strong deterrent against withdrawing after being picked in the auction. This ensures that only those who are fully committed to participating in the tournament register for the auction. It also prevents players from using the IPL as a bargaining chip to secure better deals elsewhere.

For franchises, the new rules provide greater certainty and stability. Knowing that the players they pick in the auction are committed to playing the entire season allows teams to plan their strategies more effectively. It also reduces the risk of last-minute changes to the squad, which can disrupt team dynamics and performance.

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