IPL 2025 Auction: Hyderabad Team Owner Kavya Maran Suggests Massive Changes

Ahead of the auction for much-anticipated IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran has backed the proposal to increase player retentions for each team. During the IPL owners' meeting at the BCCI Headquarters, she suggested that teams should be allowed at least six retentions or six RTM (Right To Match) options to maintain their core squads.

"We can use it as four retentions and two RTMs, or all six retentions, or all six RTMs and so on. The choice on whether a retention or RTM is used should be with the franchise based on discussions with the player," Maran stated.

Ensuring Fair Player Compensation

Maran highlighted past instances where players preferred going to the auction if they felt the retention amount was insufficient. She noted, "There have also been instances where multiple players have felt that they should be the first retention, and if not retained as first, they have asked to be put in the auction instead."

To address this, she proposed allowing players to either be retained or RTM at market-discovered prices. This would ensure players are not unhappy with their retention price.

Transparency and Integrity in IPL

Maran emphasised that only allowing retentions could lead franchises to pay more through side contracts. "If only retentions are allowed, there is a good possibility that franchises will pay their retained players more than the retention value through side contracts," she explained.

She argued that using RTMs ensures players get market prices within purse restrictions. This maintains transparency and upholds the integrity of a prestigious brand like IPL.

Player Commitment and Accountability

The SRH owner also addressed player commitment during the meeting. She suggested banning any cricketer who doesn't play despite being selected in the auction unless they have a serious injury.

"After being selected in the auction, if a player doesn't come to play the season for any reason apart from injury, he should be banned," Maran asserted.

Maran's proposals aim to balance fair compensation for players while ensuring teams can retain their core members. Her suggestions also focus on maintaining transparency and accountability within IPL operations.