BCCI Introduces New Rule for Player Withdrawals From IPL

Players who withdraw from the IPL will face a two-year ban according to new rules set by the BCCI. This policy applies to both domestic and overseas players who sign up for an auction, are picked, but pull out right before the season starts. However, there will be exceptions for players who withdraw due to injury or medical conditions. This is prepared by SSP.

This new rule has impacted several players, including England's Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, David Willey, and Harry Brook, who withdrew following his grandmother's death. Previously, foreign players like Jason Roy and Mitchell Starc have also withdrawn at the last moment, disrupting their franchises' plans. To curb this behavior, any player who withdraws after being picked will be banned from participating in the next two seasons and auctions.

In addition to the withdrawal rules, a few other changes have been introduced for the 2025 season. Teams can retain up to six players from their current squad. A 'mega auction' will also be held next year, introducing a high degree of squad turnover. In a landmark move, a match fee of 7.5 lakh rupees (£6,700) has been introduced, which will be paid over and above the player salaries. Last year, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive signing in IPL history, securing a deal worth 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3m) with the Kolkata Knight Riders.