IPL franchises want clarity on player retention

There is still a lot of time left before the fifth edition of the IPL kick-starts, but most of the franchises have a few common queries and concern regarding the controversial 'Player Retention' issue as well as the status of last edition's Orange Cap winner Chris Gayle for the coming editions.

Recently, IMG officials interacted with top bosses of the 10 franchises to get feedback on the last edition as well as suggestions and queries for coming editions, which will be tabled in front of the IPL Governing Council.

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"The issue that we have raised is about the 'Player Retention' clause. We have suggested that if the IPL Governing Council sticks to Retention clause they should inform us much in advance rather than sending a circular a couple of months before the tournament starts," an influential official of one of the franchises said on Tuesday.

It is learnt that at least seven of the 10 franchises want the governing council to have all players for next auctions, save Mumbai Indians, who have Sachin Tendulkar, and Chennai Super Kings, who are led by India captain M S Dhoni.

The second issue is the status of Chris Gayle for next year, as the big-hitting West Indian joined Royal Challengers Bangalore as a substitute for Dirk Nannes after being ignored by the franchises at the auctions.

"The GC should make it clear as to what will happen with Gayle, as there is no clarity about his status. If he is free, then he would be most sought after by most franchises," the official added.

Another problem will be how the contracts of domestic players are dealt with, as some of the top Ranji players are said to have demanded astronomical sums last year.