IPL 2025 Auction: What is RTM card and how does Right to Match work?

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction promises high drama as the event unfolds in the picturesque city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

With the BCCI choosing the iconic Abadi Al Johar Arena to host the mega auction on November 24-25, the cricketing world’s eyes are set on the future composition of the 10 franchises.

The decision to hold the auction overseas marks a significant moment for the league, with Jeddah outpacing other speculated venues like Dubai and London.
The 15,000-seater arena, known for its grandeur, ensures a fitting backdrop to the event, while participating franchise delegations will be housed at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel.

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In an auction reduced from 1,574 initial registrants to a sharp pool of 574, including 39 fresh additions, the stakes are high for every team. Notably, this year’s auction coincides with the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, Australia.

To ensure no clash with cricketing action, the auction is strategically timed to begin at 3:30 PM IST, aligning with the end of the Test’s daily play.

Right-To-Match Card: Explained

A major twist this year is the reintroduction of the Right-To-Match (RTM) card, a feature last seen in 2018. Unlike before, when teams could simply match a winning bid to retain a player, the rules now allow the highest-bidding team to increase their offer.

For instance, if a player is bid for Rs 5 crore and the original team uses RTM, the winning team can raise their bid—say to Rs 10 crore—forcing the original team to either match the new bid or let the player go.

This rule adds a strategic layer, encouraging intense bidding wars and challenging teams to balance their budgets while retaining top talent.

As teams vie to assemble their dream squads, the IPL 2025 auction is set to blend cricket’s dynamic strategy with the glitz and grandeur of Saudi Arabia.