With the retention list finalised, the auction landscape is now crystal clear: 173 players have been retained, including 49 overseas, leaving 77 slots for teams to fill. Across the league, franchises collectively hold a ₹237.55 crore purse, and that money is about to fuel one of the fiercest, most strategic auctions in years. The numbers themselves reveal the tension — a massive pool of retained players and a sizeable chunk of cash chasing a relatively small number of open spots.
The retention figure of 173 indicates that teams have doubled down on their core structures. They’ve locked in key performers, protected future stars, and ensured continuity heading into the new season. With 49 overseas names already secured, franchises have clearly prioritised stability in their foreign contingents, rather than gambling on uncertain availability or late-season surprises. The message is unmistakable: most sides want their backbone intact before entering the bidding arena.
That leaves the auction with 77 openings — a tight window where the real battles will unfold. These aren’t filler roles; they’re critical pieces that determine squad balance, tactical depth, and the ability to navigate injuries or form dips over a long season. Teams with leaner retention lists will come in needing personnel across multiple roles. Others, who retained heavily, will aim for precision strikes — one or two specialists they believe can tilt matches.
The ₹237.55 crore combined purse is the fuel that will drive the fireworks. It’s enough money to guarantee aggressive bidding, but not enough to allow reckless spending without consequences. On average, the purse-per-spot ratio sits at roughly ₹3-4 crore, but auctions never work on averages. A handful of marquee names will skyrocket into double-digit crores, and once those bidding wars settle, the room will shift into value hunting: finishers, backup keepers, utility all-rounders, domestic quicks, spin options, and promising U-23 players. Those mid-auction segments often decide which franchise walks out having won the day.
Teams will approach the auction from different angles. Some will chase star power to fill gaps in leadership or match-winning ability. Others will stock up on all-rounders or finishers who can boost flexibility. A few will zero in on local Indian talent, knowing that domestic depth often makes the difference in long tournaments. Even overseas picks will require precision — availability windows, workload management, and overseas-slot constraints will all shape decision-making.
For players, especially those entering the auction pool for the first time or returning after a strong domestic season, these 77 openings represent a golden opportunity. With significant purse amounts unspent and teams looking to refine balance, even uncapped names can spark unexpected bidding duels.
What’s coming is a classic high-stakes auction — fewer seats than passengers, and enough money in the room to make things volatile. Some teams will walk away with masterstrokes; others may overshoot on early targets and scramble later. But the foundation is set: 173 retained, ₹237.55 crore in the tank, 77 chances to reshape squads. And with that combination, the upcoming auction is guaranteed to be loud, competitive, and utterly unpredictable.
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