Amid the growing buzz around the upcoming IPL 2025, the term RTM is gaining popularity in the media. RTM, an acronym for Right to Match, enables franchises to buy back their players by matching the highest bid in the auction.

Here's a look at how this new RTM system works, what its rules are, and which teams are in the strongest/weakest position in terms of RTM power.

RTM: What does it mean

Teams participating in the IPL are now allowed to retain a maximum of six players. This change in team structure allows for a variety of retention strategies.

Teams can choose to retain players in two primary ways: direct retention before the auction, or by using Right-to-Match (RTM) options during the auction.

Rules

A total of six players can be retained.

Five retained players can be capped.

Two retained players can be uncapped.

This new system offers teams flexibility in managing their roster for the upcoming season.

RTM: How it works

Under the rules of the RTM system, teams will get a chance to buy back players they sold to other teams during the auction.

As per the rules, if a player has been bought by another franchise in the mega auction, the franchise he was a part of in IPL 2024 can step in at the end of the bidding process and buy back its player using the RTM option by matching the highest bid.

This means that if a team bids the highest amount for a player from another team, the original team can match that bid and keep the player.

If the original team matches the bid, the new team has another chance to increase its bid. The original team will then have to match the new, higher bid to keep its player.

IPL 2025 RTM System: Team-Wise Status Report

Punjab Kings (PBKS) appear to be in a strong position going into the auction with the most (4) right-to-match (RTM) options. As mentioned above, RTM allows teams to retain players from their previous squads.

Five teams – Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants – have one RTM option each. Royal Challengers Bangalore have three RTMs, while Delhi Capitals have two. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have no RTM options left.

While RTM offers a strategic advantage, teams can still acquire players through regular bidding.