By BD Narayankar Bengaluru, Sep 29 (Reporter) The IPL Governing Council has announced a new set of player regulations for the 2025-2027 seasons, marking a significant shift in how teams will operate in the coming years. These new rules, aimed at fostering competitive balance and financial sustainability, are poised to influence how teams build their rosters and manage player costs. One of the most notable changes is the retention cap, allowing teams to keep only six players, including a maximum of five capped and up to two uncapped players. This is intended to prevent franchises from hoarding top talent and encourage a more even distribution of star players across all 10 teams. Teams now face tough decisions about which key players to retain, while younger, uncapped players may become more valuable assets. This could give emerging players more opportunities to shine as teams look for cost-effective alternatives to big-name stars. Additionally, the auction purse has been increased to ₹120 crore for 2025, with a gradual rise to ₹157 crore by 2027. This reflects the league’s continued growth, but teams will need to manage their budgets carefully. A new match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per player per match has also been introduced, incentivising individual performance. Players now stand to earn more based on their appearances and contributions during matches, making roster decisions even more crucial. Teams will have to strike a balance between retaining expensive stars and nurturing younger talent to stay financially competitive. Overseas players will also face new requirements. They must now register for the Big Auction, ensuring that top global talent remains accessible to all franchises. This rule comes with a significant deterrent: overseas players who sign contracts but later withdraw from the season could face a two-year ban. This change is expected to lead to greater commitment from international stars but may also cause some players to opt out of the IPL to avoid these risks. The reclassification of Indian players adds another layer of strategy. Capped Indian players who have not played international cricket for five years will now be considered uncapped, allowing them to re-enter the auction at lower base prices. This opens the door for teams to acquire experienced talent at more affordable rates, while also giving these players a fresh opportunity to revive their careers in the IPL. The continuation of the Impact Player rule, which allows for tactical substitutions during matches, indicates its success in adding a strategic dimension to the game. Teams will need to build squads with enough depth to take full advantage of this rule, especially as they navigate the revised salary caps and retention limits...////...