Company Pte Limited (CVC Capital) and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group shelled out a combined Rs 12,715 crore to acquire the two new teams for the 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per the recent developments, the newly furnished Lucknow and Ahmedabad franchise will be allowed three early picks for the forthcoming season of the cash-rich league. 

While three early picks will be handed to the new teams, all 8 old franchises can reportedly keep four players ahead of the 2022 auction. The two new teams have been added for the IPL 2022 season which will comprise 10 teams. The 15th edition of the cash-rich league will also have 74 matches and each team can play seven home and seven away matches. 

In the lead-up to the mega auction of the 15th season, it has been learned that all eight existing IPL teams can retain a maximum of four players. According to a report filed by ESPNCricinfo, the newly formed Lucknow and Ahmedabad teams are set to receive the first choice from the player’s pool once the list of retained players is finalised ahead of the new season. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council are yet to reveal the official dates for the players’ auction for the 15th season. According to the report, teams will have an enhanced purse for the new season. Teams are expected to have INR 90 crore (USD 12 million approx) in their purse for the IPL 2022 auction. 

When it comes to combinations of retaining players, teams can either pick three Indians and one overseas player or two Indians and two overseas stars for the new season. As per the report, teams will not have the right-to-match (RTM) cards at the mega auction. Lucknow and Ahmedabad teams can have a combination of two Indian players and one overseas while making the three early picks for the new season.