What is RTM in IPL? How can a franchise use Right to Match?
In a much-anticipated announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled new rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. Among these changes, the Right to Match (RTM) card has garnered significant attention, potentially altering team strategies and dynamics.
The Right to Match is a provision that allows IPL franchises to retain players during the auction process by matching the highest bid made by another team. Essentially, it gives a franchise the opportunity to buy back a player they may have released or lost during the auction. This mechanism adds an exciting layer of strategy to the bidding process.
How Does the RTM Card Work?
1. Auction Dynamics: During the auction, if a player’s name is called, franchises will begin bidding. Once the bidding concludes, the franchise that holds the RTM card for that player can match the highest bid made by any other team.
2. New Twist for Fairness: This year, a significant change has been introduced to enhance fairness in the process. If the franchise with the RTM card chooses to match the highest bid, the highest bidder will be given an additional opportunity to increase their bid. This twist ensures that both teams have a fair chance in the auction, creating a more competitive environment.
Example: Consider a scenario where Delhi Capitals places the highest bid for Ishan Kishan. If Mumbai Indians, Kishan’s previous team, holds the RTM card for him, they can choose to match Delhi’s bid. However, in this instance, Delhi will also be granted the chance to revise its offer, intensifying the bidding war and increasing the stakes for both franchises.
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Number of RTM Cards per Team
The allocation of RTM cards is dependent on the number of players a franchise decides to retain. Teams can have between 0 to 6 RTM cards. For example, if a team retains six players (five capped and one uncapped), they will not receive any RTM cards.
Conversely, if a team retains only four players, they will be entitled to two RTM cards. This structure encourages teams to make strategic decisions about their retained players, balancing the benefits of retaining talent against the potential for acquiring new players.
Conclusion: What to Expect from the “Right To Match” Card Rule?
By allowing teams to match bids while also providing the highest bidder an opportunity to counter, the BCCI aims to create a more dynamic and competitive landscape in the league. So the introduction of new RTM rules in IPL 2024 promises to enhance the excitement of player auctions and significantly impact franchise strategies.
