IPL Auction 2024: What to Expect from Teams Using RTM cards to Retain their Players
The IPL is gearing up to be one of the most exciting events in cricket, bringing together intense bidding wars, team strategies, and player dreams. Among the tools available to franchises, the Right-to-Match (RTM) is a standout, offering a tactical edge to retain valuable players. As the cricketing world anticipates the big day, let’s delve into what RTM cards are, how they work, their impact, and the current buzz surrounding this feature in the upcoming IPL Auction 2024.
What is a Right-to-Match (RTM) Card in IPL Auction 2024?
The RTM card was introduced in the IPL to allow franchises to retain players they had released into the auction pool. It essentially gives the team a “last chance” to buy back a player by matching the final bid made by another franchise. This feature allows teams to balance squad continuity with auction dynamics, ensuring they don’t entirely lose control over key players.
RTM’s Relevance in the IPL Auction 2024:
As IPL teams strategize for the 2024 season, RTM cards hold significant value, particularly for teams looking to maintain squad depth and chemistry. While the upcoming auction is not a “mega” one, franchises are still fine-tuning their lineups with an eye on long-term planning.
- Squad Stability: teams like Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans are expected to use RTM cards to ensure they don’t lose high-performing players such as Shivam Dube or Rahul Tewatia.
- Targeting Uncapped Talent: Franchises such as Punjab Kings, with multiple RTM cards, may prioritise retaining promising uncapped players, paving young talent while managing their auction purse.
- Strategic Retentions: For players like Sam Curran, Yuzvendra Chahal, or David Miller, who have been crucial for their teams, RTM offers a cost-effective way to secure their services without large pre-auction payouts.
Excitement Building for the IPL Auction 2024
The anticipation for the IPL auction 2024 is at an all-time high, with franchises reportedly lining up their strategies to retain critical players. Teams are also eyeing fresh talent, including uncapped stars, who could be potential game-changers in the upcoming season.
The RTM card, with its reintroduction in the mega auction of 2025 and preparation in 2024, signifies a renewed emphasis on player loyalty and long-term planning. With each team having specific goals and challenges, the RTM mechanism promises to add another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling auction process.
How Does the RTM Card work in IPL Auction 2024?
The RTM card process is straightforward but involves high stakes and quick decision-making:
- Player Auction Begins: A player enters the auction, and teams bid competitively.
- Final Bid: Once the highest bid is locked, the auctioneer gives the previous team the chance to use their RTM card.
- Matching the Bid: If the franchise decides to use the RTM card, they match the highest bid and reclaim the player.
- Budget Deduction: The cost of the bid is deducted from the team’s auction purse, and the player is added back to their squad.
For instance, if a player like Ravindra Jadeja, previously part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), receives a bid for Rs.12 crore from another franchise, CSK can use an RTM card to reclaim him at that price.
RTM Card Allocation System
The IPL Auction 2024 sees the return of the Right-to-Match (RTM) card system that gives teams more flexibility in their player acquisition strategies. This strategic tool made its debut in IPL 2014 but was discontinued before the 2022 season. Now it returns with major changes to its framework.
Number of Available RTMs
Teams get RTM cards based on their player retention. A team that doesn’t retain any players receives six RTM cards – the maximum possible. Teams retaining all six players lose their right to RTM cards during the auction. This creates a balance between direct retention and auction-based acquisitions.
RTM Usage Restrictions in IPL Auction 2024
The RTM system follows specific rules to keep the competition fair:
- Teams with five capped player retentions can use RTM cards only for uncapped players
- Teams cannot use RTM cards for more uncapped players if they have already retained two uncapped players.
The RTM mechanism now includes a new bidding feature. Teams using RTM cards must match the final bid from the winning bidder, who gets one last chance to increase their offer.
Team-wise RTM Distribution
Here’s how RTM cards are distributed among teams:
| Franchise | RTM Cards | Purse Left (Cr) |
| Punjab Kings | 4 | 110.5 |
| RCB | 3 | 83 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2 | 73 |
| CSK | 1 | 55 |
| MI | 1 | 45 |
| GT | 1 | 69 |
| SRH | 1 | 45 |
| LSG | 1 | 69 |
Punjab Kings lead with four RTM cards. This gives them maximum flexibility in the auction. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have no RTM options left after complete retention.
The RTM system adds an exciting element to the auction. Teams must balance immediate retention benefits against matching auction prices later. This becomes vital as teams time their RTM card usage based on auction dynamics and their available pursuit.
Maximum Retention Quota in IPL Auction 2024
Teams can now keep up to six players through direct retention and Right-to-Match (RTM) cards in IPL Auction 2024. This system gives franchises exceptional flexibility to maintain their core squad and adapt to new requirements. The retention structure allows for:
| Retention Type | Maximum Limit |
| Total Players | 6 |
| Capped Players | 5 |
| Uncapped Players | 2 |
Player Category Restrictions
IPL has created a three-tier player categorization system that sets clear limits for team composition:
- Capped Players: Athletes who have represented their national team in official international matches.
- Uncapped Players: Indian players without international experience or BCCI central contracts in the last five years
- Overseas Players: Non-Indian cricketers meeting specific eligibility criteria
A revival in policy now allows Indian players to be classified as uncapped if they haven’t played international cricket in the last five years. This change helps veterans like MS Dhoni, who can stay with their teams under the uncapped category at a base value of Rs. 4 crore.
Fan Expectations and Auction Day Excitement
The IPL Auction 2024 isn’t just a day for franchises to build their squads; it’s a festival of cricket that unites fans from all walks of life. For many, the auction day is as thrilling as a high-stakes match, with every bid and player sold bringing waves of excitement.
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Dramatic Moments of the RTM Card
The introduction of the Right-to-Match (RTM) card adds a layer of unpredictability and drama to the IPL Auction 2024. Fans eagerly watch as their favourite players go under the hammer, only to be reclaimed by their old teams at the last moment. These moments of suspense often lead to animated discussions on social media and endless speculation about strategies.
For instance, imagine a scenario where a young star like Yashasvi Jaiswal is hotly contested by multiple franchises. Just as the gavel is about to fall, his former team uses their RTM card to retain him. These twists and turns make the auction a must-watch event for millions of cricket enthusiasts.
Social Media Buzz and Speculation
Leading up to the IPL Auction 2024, fans take to social media to share their predictions, wishlist players for their teams, and analyse potential strategies. On auction day, platforms like twitter and instagram become live commentary hubs, with hashtags like #IPLAuction2024 trending globally.
Auction as a Cricket Festival
The IPL Auction 2024 has become more than just a player selection process; it’s an event where cricket enthusiasts come together. Viewing parties, office debates, and family discussions are common as fans sit glued to their screens. The drama of bidding wars, surprise picks, and the emotional moments tied to RTM make it a celebration of the sport.
For players, too, the auction is a life-changing event. Many young cricketers realise their dream of playing IPL, while seasoned stars secure their place in the limelight. The audience celebrates these milestones, making the IPL Auction 2024 a fun experience for fans and players alike.
Conclusion
The RTM card is more than just a rule; it’s a game-changer in the IPL auction 2024. It allows teams to maintain their core strength while also navigating the high stakes of auction dynamics. As IPL Auction 2024 approaches, fans can look forward to nail-biting decisions and smart strategies that will shape the upcoming season.