Teams cannot use Right to Match (RTM) cards in the IPL 2026 mini auction scheduled for December 16.
The RTM card rule is implemented only during mega auctions, not mini auctions. It was last used in the mega auction held before IPL 2025.
RTM cards give a franchise the right to re-sign a player who previously played for them by matching the highest bid made by another team.
Mini auctions are meant for limited squad adjustments, and allowing RTM cards would restrict fair bidding opportunities for other franchises.
In the last mega auction, BCCI introduced a counter-bid system, allowing aggressive bidding before an RTM decision is triggered.
For IPL 2026, franchises must win players purely through open bidding, with no option to reclaim former players using RTM cards.