2018 IPL Auction: What do pre-auction retention and RTM card mean?

Earlier today, the IPL Governing Council (GC) announced the retention policies and the revised salary caps ahead of the 2018 IPL auction.

As per the governing council's decision, a franchise can retain five players using one of the two combinations - three pre-auction retentions and two RTMs or two pre-auction retentions and three RTMs. Either way, a franchise can retain or use RTM for a maximum of three players in the auction. Moreover, if a franchise doesn't retain even a single player before the auction, they still can't use more than three RTMs.

Not everyone is familiar with the terms pre-auction retention and RTM.

What is a pre-auction retention?

Under pre-auction retention, a franchise can retain a maximum of three players from their previous squad and those names won't be a part of the IPL auction.

The cost of the players who can be retained through pre-auction retentions are as follows.

If the franchise retains three players: The cost of the players will be 15, 11 and 7 crores INR respectively. The money will be deducted from their auction purse.

If the franchise retains two players: The cost of the players will be 12.5 and 8.5 crores INR respectively. The money will be deducted from their auction purse.

If the franchise retains one player: The cost of the player will be 12.5 crores INR. The money will be deducted from their auction purse.

If the franchises retain any uncapped player, they will be deducted just 3 Crores INR per player from their auction purse instead of the above-mentioned price.

What is an RTM or Right-to-Match card?

RTM, which stands for Right to Match, can be availed by any team on the day of the auction. If a player (X), who played for team (Y) in the previous season, is acquired by another team (Z) in the auction, Y can use their RTM card and get X for the same amount of money for which Z bought him.

Let us take an example to become familiar with the terms pre-auction retention and RTM.

If Mumbai Indians opt to retain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Krunal Pandya ahead of the IPL auction, these three retentions will be called as pre-auction retention.

If Chennai Super Kings buy Hardik Pandya for INR 8 Crores, then MI can use their RTM and get Hardik back for the price CSK had him, INR 8 Crores.