The IPL 2025 mega auction is just around the corner. It is set for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A key element of this auction is the return of the Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. They will be vital in the bidding for the 574-player pool. Here’s a breakdown of the RTM rule. It details how it works and its impact on the teams, including the Rajasthan Royals, who won’t have any RTM cards.
What Are RTM Cards in IPL 2025?
RTM cards let IPL teams retain specific players in the auction, even if other franchises bid for them. The RTM rule, from the IPL 2014 mega auction, allows teams to match the highest bid for a player and retain him.
The RTM card was not available in the IPL 2022 auction. It is making a comeback in the IPL 2025 mega auction, with some changes. Unlike previous editions, the bidding process now permits the original bidder to counter once more after the use of an RTM card. This forces teams to decide whether to match the raised bid or let the player go.
RTM Rule in IPL 2025 Explained
Each team is allowed to retain up to six players from their squad before the auction. Teams will get a specific number of RTM cards based on their pre-auction retentions.
- Teams that keep fewer than six players before the October 31 deadline can use RTM cards in the auction.
- A team that retains four players will have two RTM cards. A team retaining three players will have three RTM cards.
However, strict limits apply to player categories:
- Teams can only retain a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped Indian players.
- For example, if a team pre-retains five capped players, their RTM options are restricted to uncapped Indian players.
How RTM Cards Work in IPL 2025
During the auction:
- If a former team uses an RTM card to match the highest bid for their player, they can retain him.
- The original bidding team then has one last chance to raise their bid.
- If the RTM-using team matches this new bid, they keep the player. If not, the bidding team wins the player.
This change adds a fun layer of strategy. Teams must decide how far to go to keep their former players.
Rajasthan Royals and RTM Cards in IPL 2025
The Rajasthan Royals will have no RTM cards in the IPL 2025 auction. They retained their full quota of six players before the deadline. Kolkata Knight Riders are in the same position. They have no RTM cards for the upcoming auction.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants retained five players each. They will have one RTM card to use. On the other hand, Punjab Kings retained only two players. So, they have the maximum of four RTM cards.
RTM cards in IPL 2025
| IPL team | Retentions before IPL 2025 auction | Right-to-match cards left |
| Rajasthan Royals | 6 | 0 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 | 0 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 5 | 1 (capped/uncapped) |
| Mumbai Indians | 5 | 1 (uncapped) |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 5 | 1 (capped) |
| Gujarat Titans | 5 | 1 (capped) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 5 | 1 (uncapped) |
| Delhi Capitals | 4 | 2 (all capped/one capped and one uncapped) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 3 | 3 (all capped/two capped and one uncapped) |
| Punjab Kings | 2 | 4 (all capped) |
Key Points to Watch in IPL 2025 Auction
- RTM Card Strategy: Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, which have three and four RTM cards, will be more flexible in the auction.
- Rajasthan Royals and KKR’s Absence: They may not reclaim core players from past seasons, as they lack RTM cards.
- Uncapped Players’ Market: Teams that have maxed out their capped player retentions will focus on securing uncapped talent using RTM cards.
With 204 slots up for grabs across 10 teams, the IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The return of RTM cards, plus the new rules, adds complexity to this high-stakes bidding war.
