Indian veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns about the Right to Match (RTM) option in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, calling it one of the most unfair rules for players. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin discussed how the RTM rule undermines the value and demand of players during the auction process, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration among cricketers.
Ravichandran Ashwin on Right to Match rule
The RTM rule allows franchises to retain a certain number of players by matching the highest bid made for them during the auction. While this rule aims to give teams a chance to retain key players.
Ashwin argues that it often leaves the players with less than their true market value. He elaborated on how the rule works, using a hypothetical scenario to highlight the issue.
“For example, let’s say there’s a player named X who is currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and is valued at around five to six crores,” Ashwin explained.
Ashwin further elaborated, “During the auction, teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians bid up to six crores for him. However, as soon as the bidding concludes, the Sunrisers can use their RTM option to match the six crore bid and retain the player. While this might seem like a win for the Sunrisers, it’s actually quite unfair to the player. They end up with a lower value than they might have achieved if the bidding continued without the RTM option.”
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Ashwin criticizes the IPL’s RTM rule
Ashwin emphasized that this rule leaves the player in a difficult position, knowing that they did not receive their true worth in the auction. He believes that the RTM option disrupts the natural flow of the auction and can prevent players from getting the financial recognition they deserve.
“There is nothing more unfair for a player than RTM,” the veteran off-spinner stated. “The player might walk away feeling undervalued, especially if they realize that without the RTM, they could have commanded a much higher price.”
He also pointed out that the RTM rule can create dissatisfaction among other franchises involved in the bidding war.
“KKR and Mumbai Indians, who were actively bidding, might feel disappointed that their efforts went in vain, while only the original team—the Sunrisers in this case—ends up being happy,” the Tamil Nadu lad added.
Ashwin’s comments come at a time when IPL franchises have been giving feedback to officials on player retention rules ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Some teams have suggested allowing franchises to retain between four to six players and providing each franchise with eight RTM options. However, Ashwin’s critique raises important questions about the fairness and impact of such rules on players.
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