'Franchise Invests Lot on Players': CSK Legends Call for More Retentions as Franchises Await Retention Rules for IPL 2025

Indian Premier League (IPL) icons, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have called for more player retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auctions as franchises wait for the IPL’s Governing Council to announce the retention rules.

In the previous mega-auctions which took place in 2022, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of four players. As the three-year cycle comes to an end, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI proceeds about retaining players.

Rayudu believes that having a core helps the team maintain the culture within the side and also adds to the uniqueness of the respective team. The former India international has called for more retentions considering the amounts that are invested for a player.

“I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot in players, the core of the team is what makes every team unique in the IPL so the longer the core remains the culture of the team remains,” Rayudu commented as quoted by PTI. 

Rayudu further added that having additional retentions would also provide additional stability to the side so that they can continue being successful.

“There is a great chance of success. Retentions have to be and there needs to be a lot of retentions. It can’t be one or two. All the important players should be retained,” Rayudu added.

Along with Rayudu, Raina also followed suit and agreed with his former teammate. He backed the IPL Governing Council to take the right decision regarding the matter.

“I 100 per cent agree with Rayudu. The mega auction should be every three years. The IPL Governing Council will do what is best for the game,” said Raina.

All the franchises will be hoping to plan out their next move following the announcement of the retention rules. Certain franchises who have been successful of late could benefit from more retentions as it would help them maintain their core while other sides who haven’t been as successful could be eyeing for lesser retentions to help them even the playing field and possibly build a new squad altogether.

(with PTI Inputs)