IPL chairman Arun Dhumal explains new rules auctions and players’ participation

Arun Dhumal, the chairman of the Indian Premier League, refuted the appeal, saying that the move was made to promote more foreign players’ involvement in high-profile auctions.

In a media statement made on Saturday, September 28, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council adopted a few stringent criteria, particularly with relation to overseas players. The IPL teams’ compensation structures and retention policies have been established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

In response to auction antics that have hurt teams in recent years, it has now instituted a possible two-year suspension regulation for foreign players. In light of foreign players’ last-minute withdrawals and their preference for mini auctions over mega auctions, the BCCI has now implemented steps to stop foreign cricketers from abusing the system.

A regulation that will be implemented starting with the IPL 2026 mini-auction is that no foreign player will be able to make more money than the player who is retained or sold for the highest amount in the mega auction (whichever is lower). The question of whether it is wise to cap an overseas player’s profits in mini-auctions has sparked intense discussion among experts and fans in response to this new regulation.

“If a player is selected for a greater price than, say, Rs 18 crore per pick, they will only receive Rs 18 crore; the remaining funds will be returned to the league and used for player welfare by the BCCI. In response to the subject in an interview with The Indian Express, he stated, “The idea is to make the maximum number of players available at the bigger auction because that is when the franchises can plan a team for three years in advance.”

Dhumal was also questioned about the possible two-year suspension that international players would face if they decide to quit from the IPL after their items are sold at the super auction.

We’ve noticed that occasionally participants attend smaller auctions in hopes of getting a better deal rather than offering themselves for larger auctions. We wanted to ensure that people who are offering themselves up for a high-profile auction are not the ones who wind up on the losing end. “They will have to provide legitimate reasons if they are selected at the auction but are unable to make themselves available,” Dhumal replied.

“It isn’t because they are in the auction; after being selected for a certain amount, they decline to participate. The rationale is that each player plays a crucial part in whatever position they are selected for, and the franchise owners and the club are meticulously assembling the greatest team possible for the competition. If he does not make himself available, it will be a risk to the team as a whole,” he added.

They must be available if they have stated that I would be available: Arun Dhumal

According to Dhumal, competitors must give their all, and if they have already committed to competing in the competition, they must follow through on their commitment. Players who withdraw for medical reasons will be the only ones the board will pardon. That, however, will need to come from the player’s home board in writing.

“In the end, this is a team game. Thus, the notion is that they must demonstrate their whole dedication. They must be available if they have stated that I would be available. If not, there must be a medical explanation, and the home board must state in writing that the player’s inability to participate is due to a legitimate medical condition,” he claimed.

Also Read: Arun Singh Dhumal and Avishek Dalmiya join IPL Governing Council at BCCI’s 93rd AGM

In the meantime, the IPL franchises have till October 31 to verify their retentions. The players that each organisation might keep in reserve are already the subject of fan speculation.