The upcoming IPL auction, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, has an exciting twist again through the return of RTM cards into the IPL 2025 auction. “Right To Match” cards last used before IPL 2022 auctions give the teams a chance to get back players they couldn’t retain directly. The rule caters to the franchise that wants to keep the core strong while strategizing to form the best rosters.
Teams were allowed to retain as many as six players before the auction. A few of them, like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), took all their quota of retentions, losing the right to use RTM cards. Other teams have one or more RTM cards, which they can use while getting key players whom they risk losing to opposing bids.
Which team has the most RTM cards in IPL 2025 auction?
One team with much advantage in the RTM card in the IPL 2025 auction is Punjab Kings (PBKS). The franchise can employ up to four RTM cards as they have retained only two players—Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. After a couple of lackluster seasons, the management decided to have a total reshuffle, leaving enough elbow room for savvy player acquisitions.
The RTM rule ensures a thrilling bidding dynamic. If a team deploys an RTM card during an auction, the original bidder must raise their bid to retain the player. If the RTM-using team decides to match this bid, they win back the player. Otherwise, the player goes to the original bidder, and the RTM card remains available for future use.
Better explanation
For example, consider Mumbai Indians (MI) making an offer for their ex-player Ishan Kishan. Here comes the Delhi Capitals (DC) and makes an attempt to use the RTM card. MI would now have the last shot to bid higher. And if DC matches it, then Kishan returns back into the Capitals. Else, MI takes Kishan and DC keeps its RTM card for another time.
The RTM card in the IPL 2025 auction promises dramatic twists and turns as fans and teams hang on to the strategies that are unfolding in the game of high stakes for talent acquisition.
Also, see: Money spent at each IPL auction since 2008