TOI Sports Desk
However, the exact date of the much-anticipated meeting has not been finalised but the BCCI has asked the owners to be available on July 30 or 31.
The BCCI has planned to conduct the meeting at their recently renovated office situated within the Wankhede Stadium premises in Mumbai. Typically, meetings of this nature are conducted at a five-star hotel, but the BCCI has decided to break from tradition and host the owners at their own facility.
The debate surrounding the optimal number of player retentions for franchises has been ongoing, with differing opinions on the matter. Proponents of higher retention limits emphasize the importance of maintaining team continuity, especially considering the longevity of most franchises, which have been in existence for nearly two decades. They assert that allowing up to eight retentions is crucial for fostering fan loyalty and strengthening the franchise’s brand identity.
Central to this argument is the notion that teams should be built around key players who are seen as indispensable to the franchise’s image. By retaining these iconic figures, teams can create a sense of stability and familiarity for their supporters. This, in turn, can lead to increased fan engagement and a stronger emotional connection between the team and its followers.
The BCCI has been engaging with IPL franchises to discuss crucial matters related to player retention and the upcoming mega-auction. While some franchises advocate for minimal player retention, others have differing opinions. The inclusion of the Right to Match (RTM) option in the mega-auction is also a point of contention.
In an effort to gather feedback, IPL CEO Hemang Amin has been meeting with franchise representatives, either by visiting their headquarters in various cities or by inviting them to the BCCI office. These meetings took place earlier this month.
The upcoming meeting will include deliberations on the salary cap, which is anticipated to be approximately Rs 120 crore during the initial year of the forthcoming three-year cycle. Furthermore, the retention value assigned to each player might also be a topic of discussion. In the past, the salary of the top retention was roughly 16-17 percent of the salary cap (Rs 15 crore in a salary cap of Rs 90 crore).
If the same principle is followed, the salary of the top retained player this time could be around or slightly over Rs 20 crore. However, this remains speculative at this stage. The BCCI is expected to explain the formula for determining the salary of the retained players.