NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced new retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction recently, which include changes to the Right to Match (RTM) process. Some franchises have expressed concerns over these changes, arguing that they weaken the purpose of the RTM.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, franchises are worried about the extra advantage given to the highest bidder in the RTM process.The new rules state that the highest bidder will have one final chance to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM card can use their right. The amount of the increased bid can be of any value, which the team with the RTM must then match.
“The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right,” says the new rule circulated by the BCCI.
The BCCI explains further: “For example, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of Rs. 6 Cr, then Team 1 will be first asked if they will exercise RTM, if Team 1 agrees, then Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to Rs. 9 Cr, then Team 1 can use the RTM and acquire Player X for Rs. 9 Cr. If Team 2 chooses not to raise the bid and keeps it at Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for Rs. 6 Cr.”
Franchises argue that the RTM’s aim is to determine a player’s market value, but this new rule makes them match potentially arbitrary bids. Some franchises have formally written to the BCCI as per the report, and others have discussed their concerns with BCCI officials.
Critics also say that the new rule might counteract the BCCI’s goal to attract star players to the auction. The new RTM process might discourage franchises from using the RTM option and push them toward more retentions.