The countdown to next year’s edition of the IPL 2022 has begun with the teams about to shake up the structure of their respective squads. As per the rules stated by the BCCI, all 8 teams have been given time until November 30 to declare to the governing council the list of players they wish to retain.
IPL 2022 is going to be bigger and grander with the addition of two new teams. One will be based in Ahmedabad and the other in Lucknow. So the existing retention rules have been changed to better suit the new reality. All the teams have to adhere to these rules and act accordingly.
Retention Rules And Regulations
The BCCI has confirmed in its circular that each existing team, numbering 8, will be able to retain a maximum of 4 players. Out of these 4 players, only two could be foreigners. The cricket board has further set up a budget cap for all the teams to adhere to.
According to this rule, if an IPL 2022 team goes for the retention of 4 players, then they would have a package of INR 42 Cr to spend on them. Out of those 4 retained players, the first pick would be paid INR 16 Cr; the second INR 12 Cr, the third INR 8 Cr, and finally the fourth will be given INR 6 Cr. These divisions in salary have been fixed by the governing body to maintain transparency and accountability.
Similarly, another rule has made it clear that if an IPL 2022 team retains only 3 players; then their package will be fixed at INR 33 Cr. In this case, the first player would get INR 14 Cr, the second INR 10 Cr, and the third INR 7 Cr.
Again, if a team retains 2 players; then the first player would get INR 14 Cr and the second player would get INR 10 Cr.
Teams opting to retain only one player would be allowed to pay that player a sum of INR 14 Cr.
Players Likely To Be Retained By Franchisees
It is expected that reigning champions would most likely keep faith with their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and keep him within the fold. Another player who has stuck around for a long time; Ravindra Jadeja, is also likely to be seen with the Men in Yellow next year as well. Reports suggest that either Moeen Ali or Sam Curran would be released by the Chennai-based franchise.
This year’s finalists, Kolkata Knight Riders, have given indications that they would keep the West Indian stars Andre Russell and Sunil Narine in their team. The fate of their skipper Eoin Morgan is not clear as of yet.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise would most likely keep their star players, Kane Williamson, and Rashid Khan. The Afghan spin maestro was one of the highest wicket-takers this year and would be an asset for the south-based team if retained.
Newly appointed vice-captain of the Indian T20 side, K L Rahul; could be seen changing his colours in the next IPL 2022 auction. The Punjab Kings administrators would surely not want to miss out on his services, and a renewed negotiation could be in the offing. They would also want to keep opener, Mayank Agarwal, in the team; as both he and Rahul share great chemistry in the opening slot.
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are very happy to have new Indian T20 captain Rohit Sharma amidst their fold and would retain him. Pace icon Jasprit Bumrah is the other player the Mumbai team would want to keep.
Delhi Capitals are on the verge of retaining Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Axar Patel, and Anrich Nortje. These three players performed consistently for the Capitals this year; and their managing board would want to see them continue doing that.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore outfit is unlikely to let go of their charismatic captain Virat Kohli; along with Glenn Maxwell and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Jaipur-based Rajasthan Royals are reportedly going to retain their skipper Sanju Samson. The fates of all-rounder Ben Stokes and country-mate Jos Buttler are still hanging in the balance.
How To Watch The IPL Auction Live
The BCCI will announce the date of the IPL 2022 auction sometime early in December. It is scheduled to take place either in late December or in early January next year.
The auction would be aired live by the Star Sports Network on their channel/s. Streaming service provider Disney+Hotstar would allow mobile users to watch the event live as well.