Indian Premier League teams can retain up to 6 players: reports
It is reported that only one more player can be retained via the 'joker's card' system apart from the 5 players who can be retained before the 2014 auction. This sixth cricketer can be an overseas player or an uncapped Indian player.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: December 24, 2013 03:28 PM IST
Indian Premier League franchises can retain up to 6 players in their squad, according to the tournament's governing council.
It was earlier decided that the teams will be allowed to retain five players before the 2014 auction and up to three other players through the new concept of 'joker's card'.
However, it was reported late on Monday that only one more player can be retained via the 'joker's card' system. This sixth cricketer can be an overseas player or an uncapped Indian player. (IPL auction - New rules defeat the purpose of complete reshuffle?)
The 'joker's card' or the 'matching card' system allows a team to buy-back a player which it cannot retain and has been put up for auction. This can happen if the same club matches the bid for the player once the auction is over. This team will have the first right of refusal.
The IPL teams were informed about this move on Monday, according to insiders within the Board of Control for Cricket in India, reported the Times of India. The teams are now set to meet in order to decide which players to retain and who all to release. ÂÂ
"If a team retains three to five cricketers, they will be permitted to produce a 'match card' for one more cricketer, which could be an uncapped Indian cricketer or a foreigner," an board insider is quoted as saying by the TOI.
Reportedly, if a team retains only one or two cricketers, they will get two joker's cards. And if any team does not keep any cricketer, that particular side will get three joker's cards in the auction to buy the players.
According to sources, the teams had demanded to increase the player retention list to eight. However, the IPL governing council walked the middle path by deciding on up to a maximum of 6 players that can be retained. "We have worked out a solution, which will enable teams to have the best combination," a source said.