IPL chairman Arun Dhumal explains new rules regarding auctions and players' participation

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council introduced a few strict regulations, especially regarding overseas players in a media statement released on Saturday, September 28. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has defined the retention rules and salary slabs for IPL teams. It has also introduced a potential two-year suspension rule for overseas players over auction shenanigans that has led to teams suffering in recent years. Considering overseas players' last-minute pullouts and preferring mini auctions over mega auctions, the BCCI has now put measures in place to prevent overseas cricketers from misusing 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 new rule has led to massive debate among fans and experts, wondering if it's a correct move to put a limit on the earnings of an overseas player in mini-auctions.

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IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, however, defended the call and explained that the decision was taken to encourage more participation of overseas players in mega auctions.

"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. 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," he said, responding to the question during an interview with The Indian Express.

Dhumal was also asked about the potential two-year ban that overseas stars could be slammed with upon withdrawal from IPL participation after being sold in the mega auction.

"It has come to our observation that at times players are not making themselves available for bigger auctions but are coming at the smaller auction so that they can get a better value. We wanted to make sure that those who are making themselves available for a big auction are not at the receiving end. In case they are picked at the auction but somehow unable to make themselves available, they will have to give valid reasons," Dhumal said in his response.

"It is not because they are part of the auction, they get picked up for an amount and then they refuse to play. The idea is because the franchise owners and the team are working in detail to make the best team available for the tournament and every player plays an important role in whatever position he has been picked for. In case he is not making himself available, that will put the entire team in jeopardy," he further explained.

If they have said that I would be available then they have to be available: Arun Dhumal

Dhumal said that players need to show 100 percent commitment and if they have made themselves available for the tournament initially, then they will have to fulfill the promise. The board will only excuse players who would back out due to medical reasons. However, that will have to be given in writing by the player's home board.

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"It is a team game at the end of the day. So the idea is they need to show their 100 percent commitment. If they have said that I would be available then they have to be available. Otherwise, it has to be a medical reason, where the home board should also give in writing that it is a valid medical condition because of which the player is unable to join," he asserted.

Meanwhile, October 31 is the deadline given to the IPL franchises to confirm their retentions. Fans have already started speculating the players every franchise could retain.