IPL franchises have proposed a two-year suspension for overseas players who withdraw from the season after being purchased at the auction without a legitimate reason. They also suggested that the IPL mandate all overseas players to register for the mega auction, rather than only participating in mini-auctions in hopes of securing high bids. Nearly all ten franchises agreed on these points during their meeting with the IPL on Wednesday.
Franchises have frequently faced issues with overseas players withdrawing just before the season begins, citing personal reasons. Such last-minute withdrawals negatively impact team performance, as strategies are crafted around these key players. Their unexpected absence forces teams to hastily find replacements from a much smaller pool of international talent.
The franchises acknowledged exceptions for players pulled out by their national boards due to international commitments, injuries, or family obligations. They pointed out the need for clarity on player availability at the time of the auction. The problem arises when players, purchased at base prices, withdraw post-auction, with some even demanding higher payments for their participation.
Franchises also highlighted instances where prominent overseas players skipped the mega auctions in the last two cycles (2018-24) but made themselves available for the mini-auctions to attract higher bids. This strategy takes advantage of the limited supply of top talent in mini-auctions. For example, in the 2022 mega auction, Ishan Kishan fetched the highest bid of INR 15.25 crore (USD 2.03 million) from Mumbai Indians. In contrast, the latest mini-auction saw bids surpassing this amount, with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins receiving INR 24.75 crore (USD 2.98 million) and INR 20.50 crore (USD 2.47 million), respectively.
Franchises believe some players and their managers are manipulating the system and urged the IPL to implement measures to prevent this. They suggested that while it is acceptable for new or emerging overseas players to register for mini-auctions, established players should be required to enter mega auctions. If they remain unsold, they could then participate in the mini-auction in the following season.