On Wednesday, few of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council relevant to the players, especially the overseas players were made very harsher, while issuing a media release. For instance, the statement explained the retention policy, mass recruitment barrage contours for franchisees and induced a possible two-year ban on excesses within the auction contexts that has troubled the teams over recently. To how overseas players backed out at the last minute to how they opted for mini auctions instead of the mega, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has this time put effective measures to stem the tide of overseas players’ exploitation of the system.
One of the rules that will be applicable from the IPL 2026 mini-auction is that no overseas player would earn more money than the highest retained or sold player in the mega auction (whichever of the two is lower). This rule is actively being discussed among the supporters and specialists who are expressing their opinions on the reasonable character of the limitation imposed on an overseas player’s income during the mini auctions.
In contrast, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal endorsed it, stressing that the policy was meant to maximize the number of overseas players who would participate in the business of the mega auction.
“If a player has been picked up at a higher value vis-a-vis Rs 18 crore per say, the player gets only Rs 18 crore and the rest of the amount will come back to the league to the BCCI and would be utilised for players’ welfare. If that is the case, the intention is to make most of the players available for the bigger auction because that is the auction wherein the franchises are able to strategize for a team for three years,” he said, while fielding questions during an interview with Indian Express.
Dhumal was also inquired regarding the two years ban which most of the foreign stars, who are sold during usa auction, risk incurring as a result of failed attendance in IPL.
He replied, “We have noticed that in certain instances players are skipping a chance at the bigger auctions and instead attending the smaller one with the hope of a better price.”
“We did want to ensure that those players who are putting themselves forward for a big auction aren’t the ones suffering in these situations if they are even picked at the auction and somehow are unable to be available. Precise explanations will have to be provided in other cases. It is not that they take part in the auction, are bought for an amount and later renounce playing. The reason is that the franchise owners and the team are putting a lot of work to ensure that the best team is put together for the tournament and every player is vital in whatever position he has been selected to fill. If he is not available, then that shall endanger the whole team,” he continued.
Dhumal and members of the IPL Governing Council are clear that foreign stars should be those who will give full commitment, or none at all. Those who come to make money and do not commit to participate are not encouraged.
“At the end of the day, it is a team sport. So the thought is that they should give their 100 % dedication. If they have proclaimed that I will be present then they must be present. If not, there has to be turned in a medical excuse, wherein it has to be certified in writing by the home board that there is a bona fide medical issue preventing the player from attending,” he said.
