The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in all probability, will allow the existing eight IPL franchises to retain up to four players ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Cricbuzz reported on Friday (October 22).

Notably, the Indian board is set to take the cash-rich tournament to a next level in 2022 by adding two new teams but things are still not clear with regards to the retention policy.

As per the report, informal discussions took place between the BCCI and IPL team representatives recently and all parties are believed to be on the same page regarding the number of retentions.

The report further suggests that the teams will be allowed to keep up to three Indian and two overseas players with the total number of retentions not surpassing four. There could also be a limit on retaining uncapped players and a franchise will not be allowed more than two.

According to Cricbuzz, if a team decides to retain four players, it will have to spend around 40-45 percent of its purse worth INR 90 crore. It is unlikely that the existing franchises will be allowed to rope in players by using Right to Match (RTM) cards at the auction.

Apparently, the existing eight franchises have been reportedly intimated that the two new teams may be allowed to sign a few players outside of the mega auction. The move is aimed at ensuring a balance between the new teams and the existing franchises, which will have an option to retain a few players.

An official announcement on the retention policy will be made soon after the sale of two new teams. The bidding process is expected to be finalised on October 25 in Dubai.

(With Cricbuzz inputs)