IPL players making massive demand of ₹40 crore for retention

A major financial challenge could arise for franchises ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to a report by Cricbuzz, some of Team India's top Indian players have made it clear to their franchises that they will only stay in the team if they are offered an amount up to ₹40 crore for retention.

Players believe that if they participate in the auction instead of retention, they could secure a contract even larger than their current amount. Therefore, some players wish to test their value in the auction market instead of the current retention method.

Recent examples of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are believed to be responsible for this demand from players. Before the IPL 2025 mega auction, both these players had not been retained by their old teams. Subsequently, in the auction, Punjab Kings purchased Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, while Lucknow Super Giants paid a massive amount of ₹27 crore for Rishabh Pant. These incidents have proven that teams are ready to spend large sums for Indian players in the auction.

According to reports, a mega auction is likely to take place before IPL 2028. During this time, the total purse of the teams may also increase. There are discussions underway to increase the purse of teams currently holding ₹120 crore to ₹150 crore. If the purse increases to ₹150 crore and players remain adamant about a ₹40 crore retention fee, it could become difficult for franchises to maintain team balance.

Now it remains to be seen whether the franchises will accept such massive demands from players or decide to send them into the auction. A tug-of-war between players and team management regarding retention may be witnessed before IPL 2028.