The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was scintillating with numerous records being broken. There were some amazing run chases and some low-scoring thrillers. In the rich cash league, there were some record-breaking auction bids as well. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the champions of the IPL 2024 beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final of the competition. The Knights were brilliant throughout the tournament. In the IPL 2025, there will be a mega auction.
For the first time in IPL history, a match charge has been implemented. Each playing member, including the Impact Player, would be paid a match fee of Rs 7.5 lakh per match in addition to their contracted salary. The deadline for IPL clubs to name their retained players is 5 p.m. on October 31. A franchise can keep a maximum of five capped internationals (Indian or outside) and two uncapped Indian players.
A franchise can keep a maximum of six players, either by direct retention or by using the Right-To-Match (RTM) card in the super auction. This allows organisations to mix and match outright retentions with RTM cards to secure up to six players from their 2024 roster. Exceptions will be given solely for medical and injury reasons, and if someone withdraws after the auction, he will be banned for two years.
Concerned with overseas players withdrawing from the IPL right before its start, the BCCI has ordered all overseas players to register for the mega auction if they want to participate in the IPL, and if they don’t, they cannot be part of next season’s mini-auction. With the team’s already given their retention list we take a look at some of the big names that have not been retained by the franchises.
Here are the top 5 players not retained by franchises
5. Jos Buttler
The experienced English batter will not be retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jos Buttler has been one of the most consistent names on the run-getter list. The Royals have now let go of their star batter. He was in decent form last season and played 11 games for the Royals, scoring 359 runs with two centuries. Buttler did not play in the last phase because he left to join the England national side. They can use the RTM card in the auction to get him back.
4. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has been one of the finest bowlers for India in recent times. The pacer was out injured last season and did not feature in a single game for Gujarat Titans (GT). The Titans have not retained him as he has yet to play a competitive game after picking up an injury during the ODI World Cup 2023. Shami has been doing rehab still now at Bengaluru. Gujarat can use the RTM card in the auction to get him back.
3. KL Rahul
Rahul has been released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management decided to part away with the Karnataka batter. It was an obvious decision. There were meetings between the opener and the franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka. However, KL will be at the auction table and he might go back to RCB or some other franchise in the auction.
2. Rishabh Pant
Pant has made a big comeback after an aftermath in his career. He played well for India in the middle order in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Delhi Capitals (DC) have not thought of retaining him ahead of the mega auction. Rishabh will be going to the auction table and there can be some massive bidding wars in the auction to acquire his service. Delhi can also buy back with their RTM.
1. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is the most shocking released name on the list. The IPL-winning captain for KKR has not been retained by the Knights. Iyer led the side to their third trophy after a decade. However, the management has let go of their captain at the auction table. Iyer with the bat was not as good but he was brilliant with his captaincy. He can be bought back in the auction.
