Last Updated: November 6, 2026 06:46 PM
Money often decides which players stay with their teams in the IPL. A new report has now started a lively debate among cricket fans. Let us look at the facts and what they could mean.
What the Report Says
Cricbuzz reports that IPL stars demand INR 40 Crore from their franchises. Two prominent Indian players have reportedly asked for this amount as a retention fee. The report does not name the players or their teams.
Cricbuzz first shared this news, so readers should treat it as a report. One case also involves a captaincy demand, which could make talks harder. These remain unconfirmed negotiations and not final retention agreements between the sides.
Record Deals That Came Before
The report recalls two record-breaking auction deals from the past. Lucknow Super Giants signed Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crore at the auction. Punjab Kings signed Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore in the same auction.
Both players entered that auction after their old teams did not retain them. Their deals were the first IPL auction bids to cross ₹25 crore. Those figures set new benchmarks for player salaries in the league.
Now the ₹ 40 crore retention fees talk could raise the bar even higher.
Pressure on Franchise Budgets
Each franchise purse for IPL 2027 is expected to be ₹130 crore. That purse may rise to ₹150 crore for the 2028 mega auction. Such big demands could create real financial pressure for every team.
A big retention fee leaves less money to buy other quality players. Franchises also need money to build balanced squads around their stars. Teams must decide whether to keep leaders and key players at high prices.
If one team agrees, other stars may ask for similar fees. Some players may even enter the auction to chase bigger contracts.
What Happens Next
The IPL 2027 auction will take place on December 16, 2026, in Goa. The final outcome will depend on budgets, player value, and leadership roles. The 2028 mega auction may also influence how stars negotiate their next contracts.
Fans should treat the 40 Crore retention fees claim carefully until teams confirm it. Time will show if IPL stars demand INR 40 Crore from other teams too. We will follow how the 40 Crore retention fees story develops.
