‘Only two retentions and one RTM should be allowed’ – Aakash Chopra on IPL mega auction

‘Only two retentions and one RTM should be allowed’ – Aakash Chopra on IPL mega auction

Aakash Chopra

Former India opening batsman Aakash Chopra suggested a few changes for the much-anticipated IPL 2022 mega auction. He asserted that the franchises should be allowed to retain only two players apart from one RTM card.

The 15th edition of the cash-rich league is expected to feature two new teams, making the mega auction a certainty. While recording a video for his YouTube channel, Chopra shared his wishlist for the grand event. 

“When you go to the mega auction where you are getting the two new teams, only two retentions and one RTM should be allowed for the existing eight teams,” said Chopra.

The 43-year old acknowledged that settled franchises like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals would want to retain up to six or eight players. However, he pointed out that it will be unfair for the new teams and is necessary to maintain the competitiveness of the tournament. 

“I know the settled teams will come back and say that they have put in a lot of work over the years to build their team and why they should be leaving their main players. Mumbai Indians will say that they want eight and Delhi will say that they want six. But then it will not be fair for the two new teams,” added Chopra.

‘Five overseas players should be allowed in the playing XI’: Chopra

YouTube video

Aakash Chopra further reckoned that five foreign players should be allowed in the playing XI. The cricketer-turned-commentator asserted that maintaining the balance of seven (Indian) and four (overseas) players will make things difficult for the two additional teams to find 14 Indian members.

“Five overseas players should be allowed in the playing XI. The balance of seven and four is fantastic but when you say you need 14 more Indian players for the two additional teams, finding that might be a little difficult. You don’t have 14 more Indian players whom you play and the league’s standard doesn’t drop,” said Chopra.

“The quality of cricket is the biggest reason behind the success of the Indian Premier League. I understand Indians in the IPL is the most important aspect but just for the first three or four years, you should try and have five overseas players in the playing XI,” stated Chopra.

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