IPL 2025: How RTM works and how many RTMs can be taken – Rules Explained

There have been quite a few number of alterations that have been made to the playing regulations ahead of the (Indian Premier League) IPL 2025 mega-auction.

Out of the many newly-introduced sets of changes introduced like the definition of an uncapped player, the number of retention slabs for the auction, the proposed policy for foreign players, repercussions on last-minute pull-outs, and the additional money the Impact Player will be receiving, the most intriguing change made has been the re-introduction of the RTM option.

The 18th edition of the IPL will have any franchise being permitted to retain up to six players by either retention or the RTM alternative.

Franchises are allowed to retain a maximum of five capped players (who can be Indian or overseas) and up to two uncapped ones. Apart from various slabs according to which a player can be retained, the RTM or the Right To Match option has returned to grand league.

What is RTM in the IPL Auction?

RTM, or Right To Match, is an option given to teams participating in the IPL Auction for regaining the released player, possibly at a different price when another franchise places a bid for that particular player.

Let us consider this with an example: If Ishan Kishan is released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction, and during the auction say Lucknow Super Giants place the highest bid (say INR 15 crore), then MI will first be given a choice to still buy Kishan for INR 15 crore.

RTM returns, but with a unique twist

Until previously, the franchise that wanted to reintegrate a player could simply agree to match the highest bidding sum. However, this time around, the highest bidder will obtain an additional opportunity to further expand their bid before the team having access to the RTM card re-claims their player.

Let us understand this with a suitable example. If Rishabh Pant is being auctioned and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have placed the highest bid of INR 11 crores for him, then the Delhi Capitals (Pant’s current franchise) will be initially asked if they wish to exercise their RTM (provided they have one). If they agree, then RCB will be given one more chance to increase and place a final bid. If RCB now raises it to INR 13 crores, then DC can use their RTM and re-sign Ashwin for INR 13 crores.

Also Read: October 31 decided as deadline for IPL franchises to finalise retentions

How many RTMs can a franchise exercise?

A fundamental arithmetic formula has been devised and revealed by the Governing Council which will determine the number of RTMs that a team will possess for them to avail (6 minus the number of direct retentions). This essentially means that if a franchise retains five players, it will have one RTM in the bank.

For example, if Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retain four players: MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana, then they will have the option to exercise two RTMs (Six minus Four) at the auction table. However, if CSK retain five players, they will have only one RTM at the table, whereas, there would be zero (0) RTMs for retaining six players in all.

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