Indian Premier League Introduces New Player Withdrawal Ban

Indian Premier League (IPL) has implemented a significant new rule that imposes a ban on players who withdraw from the tournament at short notice, preventing them from participating in the following two seasons. This regulation targets any player who signs up for the auction, gets selected and then opts out before the season begins. However, the league will exempt players withdrawing due to injuries or medical conditions.

This year, several England players including Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, David Willey and Harry Brook withdrew from the IPL, highlighting the need for stricter regulations. In addition to the new withdrawal rule, the IPL announced that teams could retain up to six players from their current squads for the 2025 season. Next year will feature a ‘mega auction,’ allowing teams to overhaul their rosters significantly.

The mega auction occurs every three years and many expect it to lead to considerable changes in team compositions ahead of the 2024 season. For the first time, the IPL will introduce a match fee of 7.5 lakh rupees (approximately £6,700) which will supplement player salaries. This move aims to enhance player earnings and incentivize participation in the league.

In last year’s tournament, Australia’s Mitchell Starc set a record by becoming the most expensive signing in Indian Premier League (IPL) history when the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for 24.75 crore Indian rupees (around £2.3 million). This new regulation and financial structure demonstrate the IPL’s ongoing efforts to maintain its status as the world’s premier T20 franchise league while ensuring player commitment and participation.