IPL franchises face INR 40 crore retention demand ahead of IPL 2027 auction: Reports

The trade discussions ahead of the mini-auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 have concerned the franchises, who could face a massive challenge. Retaining a few of their marquee players could prove to be difficult, as a few players are setting a massive price to stay on with the team. 

The Cricbuzz report has noted that some of the top-tier players in the league have quoted INR 40 crore as their desired retention fee. At least a couple of players are reported to have communicated to their franchises that they would be happy to stay on only if they are paid that amount.

What is the INR 40 crore retention demand? Why IPL franchises are worried

Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant decided to go into the 2025 mega auction after refusing to be retained by their teams and secured contracts worth INR 26.75 crore and INR 27 crore, respectively. In one of the current cases, the financial demand is understood to be linked to the leadership.

Pant’s INR 27 crore contract came when the total purse stood at INR 120 crore. For the next season’s mega auction, the purse is anticipated to increase to nearly INR 150 crore, going by the pattern. An INR 40 crore contract would account for a little over a quarter of the total purse of the side.

See Also: CSK, SRH four-player trade done: IPL 2027 Auction full list

The purse is expected to be around INR 150 crore next year. In 2008, it was INR 20 crore before rising to INR 60 crore in 2014, INR 80 crore in 2018, INR 90 crore in 2022, and INR 120 crore in 2025, and it could be INR 130 crore for the 2027 season.

IPL 2027 retention deadline: Key dates and what franchises must decide before the auction

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the deadline for the IPL sides to submit their player retention lists to November 17. The original scheduled deadline was November 15. The date and the venue of the mini-auction remain unchanged, with the event scheduled to be in Goa on December 16.

This was done due to the fifth ODI between India and New Zealand on November 15, which will be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The board has given the sides an additional two days to complete their retention process.

See Also: Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh trade: MI, PBKS swap for IPL 2027

An ODI between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled for December 16 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the board has given no indication of changing the auction schedule.