On July 31st, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is scheduled to convene an important meeting with IPL franchise owners, in order to discuss numerous key topics leading up to December’s mega auction.

One of the defining issues may be the highly contentious “Impact Player rule”. Introduced two years ago and has caused much division within cricket circles.

Player Retention

As IPL 2025 mega auction is approaching quickly, BCCI has convened a meeting with all franchise owners to address important topics including player retention. This gathering is scheduled for July 31 and should help provide greater clarity on this subject matter.

This meeting is expected to focus on the “Impact Player Rule,” introduced two years ago and since has caused much debate. While many players and coaches oppose it, broadcasters and franchise owners generally back it.

Apart from discussing impact player rules, BCCI and IPL franchises will also explore retentions limits and Right to Match cards (RTM). According to Cricbuzz’s report, purse with each team could increase to Rs 120 crore; senior officials from some teams advocated for an increase in retentions as they believe it can maintain team continuity, while others opposed more retentions because more retentions will cause greater market churn.

Right to Match

As the mega auction for IPL 2025 nears, franchises are anticipating clarity on player retention and whether the controversial ‘Impact Player Rule’ will remain or be abandoned. This divisive rule has caused much debate within cricket circles; players and coaches oppose its existence while broadcasters who have made substantial investments appear more supportive of its implementation.

While the Impact Player rule has given young players such as Dhruv Jurel and Ashutosh Sharma new hope, it has caused franchises issues. Under its terms, teams may employ an extra bowler or batter during each match to increase their odds of victory and boost chances of victory.

On July 31, IPL owners are scheduled to attend a meeting convened by BCCI at their office on the fourth floor of Wankhede Stadium Complex at 7:30 pm to discuss various matters pertaining to IPL ownership and management.

Overseas Players

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has scheduled an important meeting between IPL franchise owners and BCCI officials on July 31. At this gathering, major issues like impact player rules, retention regulations and RTM may be discussed.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have publicly opposed the impact player rule, yet broadcasters and franchise owners stand firmly by it as they believe it enhances IPL matches’ intensity and competitiveness.

The meeting between BCCI and IPL franchises may also address the issue of overseas players. At present, rules allow teams to have four overseas cricketers in their starting XI. However, many overseas cricketers only spend two or three seasons with a particular franchise and therefore do not contribute fully to auction pools – creating major issues for franchises who pay out large sums in player salaries for services rendered.

IPL Gaming Rights

As the IPL 2025 mega auction nears, franchise owners will look for clarification on key issues, including retentions allowed and whether Right to Match returns. According to sources, at this meeting BCCI may also discuss whether its Impact Player Rule continues for another season.

The Impact Player rule has been the source of much contention throughout this season of IPL cricket, with players, coaches and experts opposing it. Reports indicate that it will likely remain in place since broadcasters support it.

On July 31 in Mumbai, all ten IPL teams will meet with the board in an unprecedented gathering that is anticipated to shape the future of IPL cricket. Discussion topics may include new auction guidelines and player issues; as well as salary caps, foreign players and gaming rights for IPL gaming rights.