As we approach IPL Auction for the forthcoming 2025 Indian Premier League season, social media is buzzing about the RTM card rule. All 10 IPL franchises have announced retentions and most have kept their right to exercise RTM rule.

The return of the RTM rule makes IPL 2025 mega auction even more thrilling, and brings added excitement for fans and franchises alike. Here’s an all-inclusive guide to new RTM Rules and how it can be a game-changer this season.

What is RTM or Right-to-Match Card?

The RTM card (Right-to-Match card) is an option with teams to reclaim one of their players from the previous season. They “match” the final auction bid made by another franchise and get the player back.

BUT! There is a slight tweak to RTM rules for IPL 2025 edition. If the original team uses the RTM card to match a bid, the bidding franchise has the opportunity to raise their offer. The original team would then need to match this new bid to successfully retain the player.

The new RTM rules allows both teams another chance to compete and acquire the player.

How many RTM Cards is each team allowed in IPL 2025?

Each IPL team has an option to retain up to 6 players or use six RTM cards to re-acquire players from their 2024 squad.

In simple terms:

• If a franchise retains six players before the auction, they won’t have any RTM cards left for the auction.
• If no players are retained pre-auction, the team will have six RTM cards available to use during the bidding.
• If two players are retained ahead of IPL auction, four Right-to-Match options are available.

RTM cards available for all 10 IPL Teams at IPL Auction

Related 2025 IPL Auction: How each IPL team is likely to use RTM options?

When Was RTM Introduced?

The RTM rule first came in 2014 edition and was there in place until the 2018 mega auction. It was removed before the 2022 season, and now has returned with a slight tweak.

How Did RTM Rule work in previous Indian Premier League Auction?

The teams were given up to three RTM cards previously. The auctioneer would make the polite enquiry to the past team at the final bid if they wanted to get back the player, without further bidding.

Why was RTM re-introduced in IPL 2025 Auction?

IPL think-tank certainly wanted to make the auction exciting and add another layer of squad building strategy with the newly introduced RTM rules. The 2025 RTM rules allow:

• Teams to use the RTM card to retain fan-favorites and top performers and
• Increased competition as final bid franchises can raise their offer.

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