Kavya Maran suggests BCCI to allow RTM cards in mega-auction for IPL 2025

Kavya Maran. (Source – SRH)

After years of missing out on the playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad built a brilliant squad for IPL 2024 and were one of the best teams in the tournament, finishing as the runner-up. Co-owner Kavya Maran was happy with the performance of the players and now has the intention of retaining the core unit for the 2025 edition of the tournament. However, with the mega-auction coming up, things look difficult at the moment as there isn’t enough clarity on the number of players each team can retain ahead of the next edition. 

Maran meanwhile stated that each team should be allowed to retain at least six players or have the opportunity to buy them in the auction by the Right To Match (RTM) cards. She explained that at times players aren’t happy with the retention amount or they prefer to be the first player to be retained and to avoid that, the officials should bring back the RTM cards. She believes that if the players are bought using RTM cards, they won’t have the opportunity to complain about the money.

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“We can use it as four retentions and two RTMS, or all six retentions, or all six RTMS and so on. The choice on whether a retention or RTM is used should be with the franchise based on discussions with the player,” Maran was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“There have been numerous instances in the past where a player has preferred to go to the auction when he has felt that the retention amount is on the lower side. There have also been instances where multiple players have felt that they should be the first retention, and if not retained as first, they have asked to be put in the auction instead. To avoid this, we can give the players the chance to either be retained or RTM at the market discovered price, ensuring that the player is not disgruntled about the retention price” she explained.

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The SRH co-owner also stated that if BCCI allows only retention, franchises will have to offer side contracts to the players. However, in case they allow the use of RTM cards, the side deals will be completely off and there will be more financial transparency.