IPL 2018: Franchises stand divided over player retention policy

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 will see fresh competition among the eight franchises as players are set to go down the hammer to have a balance among all the teams. But if reports are to be believed then there is no worrying factor for Chennai Super Kings fans over MS Dhoni’s availability or a certain Royal Challengers Bangalore fan, who has seen Virat Kohli play boldly since the inception of the league.

There have been talks that a team may be allowed to retain a maximum of three players, with consent from each of the franchises. 21st November has been confirmed as the date when all the team owners will discuss on numerous pointers including salary purse and player retention policy.

Retention policy in a scoop

However, as per a report published by Cricbuzz, three franchises have expressed their interest in retaining as many as five players while two of them have been completely against the retention policy. With many of the teams having promoted their icon players as brands and the fact that the fans of the respective teams are used to watching them play for a particular side, it is likely that the retention policy will be very much part of the discussion.

“The BCCI needs to bear in mind that there has to be a fair balance between all eight franchises so as to retain the competitiveness. That’s paramount, so it’s a thin line that separates the well-being of the league vis-a-vis the wellbeing of the franchises and its players and both need to be dealt with effectively,” said a close source.

One thing is for sure, the upcoming auction will be a high profile affair as most of the cricketers will go up for the auction and the fans apart from the franchise will look to rope in the best possible combinations for the event.