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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict new policy to curb the increasing issue of players withdrawing from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being selected in the auction. This move comes in response to numerous instances, particularly involving overseas players, who have opted out of the league despite being picked by franchises. The BCCI recognizes the disruption and uncertainty caused by these late withdrawals and has taken a decisive stance to address the problem.
The new regulations, effective from the 2025-27 IPL seasons, impose a two-season ban on any player who registers for the auction but then declares themselves unavailable before the season begins. This stringent penalty aims to deter players from making frivolous withdrawals and incentivize commitment to the league. The BCCI has also addressed the issue of overseas players participating selectively in mini auctions after skipping the main auction. To ensure fairness and prevent bidding wars based on limited player availability, the new rules mandate that all overseas players must register for the Big Auction to be eligible for subsequent mini auctions. This measure will create a level playing field and allow franchises to strategize their bids with a clear understanding of the players participating.
The BCCI acknowledges that genuine medical or fitness-related issues can arise, but it aims to establish a robust mechanism to validate such claims. Currently, the board relies on confirmation from the player's home board, but a more thorough process involving a team of specialists at the new Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is being considered. This could involve medical assessments and verification to prevent potential exploitation of the system. The BCCI's intention is to foster a more reliable and transparent process for addressing fitness-related withdrawals, ensuring fair play and preventing disruption to the league's integrity.
Source: IPL Player Regulations 2025-27: BCCI's stern message to overseas players