The IPL world is divided about the future of the mega-auction and Sarah Waris argues strongly against it.

The IPL world is divided about the future of the mega-auction and Sarah Waris argues strongly against it.

Every three years, IPL teams assemble for the mega-auctions, in place since the first edition of the league in 2008. At the start, the benefits of the mega-auctions had been many: They offered franchisees an opportunity to press the reset button and assess the areas of improvement as they were navigating their way through the new product of T20 cricket. It also worked to ensure no single team dominated indefinitely by periodically redistributing talent.

But, as the years have passed, these constant shufflings are proving to be a detriment, rather than a benefit. They discourage franchises from investing in youth, knowing they might lose their nurtured talents in the next auction cycle. This can disrupt continuity, allowing for only short-term goals in a business where owners have put in millions.

Mega-auctions also threaten to weaken team identities, affecting the fan’s loyalty and viewer experience. A player who was once your trusted warrior is suddenly essaying the role of an opponent against your side. He is well aware of the strategies you will adopt, the tactics you will employ in crunch moments and the discussions that are happening in the background.

What also makes the mega-auctions outdated is that the identity of IPL teams has evolved significantly from the start of the tournament. Teams are no longer just squads of players assembled for two months a year following which they are disbanded. Most sides have built onto their brand and extended it into academies for the grassroots-level players. Sophisticated scouting systems and year-round operations with more involvement have led to sides unearthing several talented players, who are then polished and groomed at the toughest finishing school in the world. Mega-auctions fail to reward teams for advancing young talent, rather increasing the risk of losing their best prospects.

Hardik Pandya's journey in the IPL is an example. Discovered by Mumbai Indians, he made his debut for the franchise in 2015 and soon became one the most marketable faces in Indian cricket as his performances soared. However, in 2022, during the mega-auction, Mumbai's inability to retain Hardik, despite playing the biggest role in his rise, resulted in Gujarat Titans reaping the benefits of his stardom.

A player's departure can be evaluated in two aspects: financial and intangible. From a monetary perspective, it involves assessing the profit or loss incurred but it does not consider the years of effort spent in recruiting, developing, and nurturing the cricketer's skills often goes unrecognised. The story of 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, nurtured by Kolkata Knight Riders since 2016, further proves this issue. Despite his promising debut this year, KKR may not have the option of retaining him ahead of the 2025 mega-auction.

It’s still worth considering the potential drawbacks of doing away with the mega-auction, allowing teams to let go of only the players they wish to or who wish to leave themselves ahead of a condensed bidding process.

The fears about maintaining competitiveness are real, especially given that the richer teams could then have greater scope to rope in the best players. Again, Hardik’s example is relevant. A three-way trade allowed him to Mumbai Indians for a cut-price figure in terms of their auction pot, as an undisclosed fee paid to him made a mockery of the league's salary cap somewhat. More stringent financial regulation would be needed to maintain balance, as would a system by which players can re-negotiate their salaries if they break into the limelight and increase their values.

The current system leads to limited negotiation power. For instance, Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the most valuable cricketer in the world currently, was Mumbai’s second retention in 2022 for INR 12 crore, with the guidelines allowing little opportunity for a counter-offer. Bumrah posted a cryptic tweet seemingly after Deepak Chahar was bought for INR 14 crore in the auctions, suggesting that he could have been bought for a higher sum if he entered the auctions. He had the option of registering himself in the mega-auctions but it brings with it a sense of unfamiliarity. Instead, direct talks with a franchise and a better understanding of their role and monetary advantages would ensure a fair playing field.

Another argument is that without mega-auctions, weaker teams might stagnate, as they will not have the chance to start afresh after poor showings. But this can be spun the other way. Teams would have to improve their scouting systems and focus on long-term talent development, making a self-sufficient ecosystem for their benefit. The myth that only the biggest names bring in success has been broken repeatedly in the tournament where tactics trump marquee signings. Instead, astute planning and a keen eye for talent is what has brought success - just look at CSK’s bowling attack in 2023.

To prevent players from being on the bench for long periods without adequate playing time, a rule that makes it compulsory for teams to release cricketers into mini-auctions who have not played a minimum number of games after a couple of seasons could be introduced. This would ensure that emerging talents get adequate playing time and prevent teams from hoarding players. But again, things may work out naturally here. A player who isn’t happy sitting on the bench can choose not to renew their contract. And a franchise will be ill-advised to take up a roster spot on a player they don’t back.

What if a team manages to build to a dominant era, in spite of salary caps, and any other regulations? Maybe it’s just good for them, and they should be rewarded for astute planning and canny recruitment. No dynasty can last forever, but a sustained period of success can help build the sport’s myths.

And what of the excitement provided by a mega-auction? Having an elaborate transfer window can maintain fan interest and excitement, providing its own drama and intrigue.

The debate over the future of the mega-auction encapsulates the tension between tradition and innovation in the sport. That rule was made in 2008 but the need of the hour is to evolve with time, providing the stakeholders with a direction for their betterment. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a system that benefits franchises, players, and fans alike, promoting the growth of cricket fairly and sustainably. Whether the mega-auctions serve that purpose needs to be analysed.

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