The upcoming mega auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has sparked discussions, and one contentious topic is the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) rule. Experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his strong opposition to the RTM rule, citing its unfairness to players.
Source:- news 18
The RTM rule allows franchises to automatically retain a player who represented them in the previous season by matching the highest bid placed by another team. However, Ashwin believes that this system disadvantages players and needs reform
Source : TOI
“If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction?” Ashwin questioned during an interview on Kris Srikkanth’s YouTube show, Cheeky Cheeka. “There should be a contract binding the two parties, which says he can be RTMed only if the price is a predetermined amount decided by the player.”
Ashwin’s criticism centers on the lack of transparency and player agency in the current RTM process. He argues that players deserve a say in whether they want to be retained and that their true market value should be respected. Under the existing rule, the original team benefits at the expense of other bidding franchises and the player involved.
This isn’t the first time Ashwin has expressed his concerns about the RTM rule. Earlier this month, he labeled it as “the most unfair rule for a player.” His proposed solution involves predetermined contract conditions, allowing players to make informed decisions about their retention.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the debate over the RTM rule continues. Whether the league adopts Ashwin’s suggestions or maintains the status quo remains to be seen. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await further developments as the auction draws near
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